Lab Guide 14

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What distinguishes the center of mass from the center of gravity in human biomechanics?

COM is the horizontal projection, while COG is vertical.

COM denotes the average position of body weight, while COG indicates the maximum height of the body.

COM remains constant, while COG shifts with movement. (correct)

COM is affected by external forces, while COG is not.

Which of the following sensory systems is NOT involved in maintaining balance control?

Vestibular system

Visual system

Auditory system (correct)

Somatosensory system

When would the suspension strategy be most effectively utilized?

When shifting weight for a side pass in soccer.

During a slight sway while standing still.

While crouching during a basketball play to evade a defender. (correct)

When balancing after being pushed suddenly.

What type of balance training is represented by a patient standing on foam with eyes closed?

Sensory organization training Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would the stepping strategy be the most appropriate response?

Standing still while a friend pushes you. Signup and view all the answers

Which balance strategy would typically be used for moderate adjustments in stance?

Weight-Shift Strategy Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding the center of gravity during body movements?

It shifts according to the position of the center of mass. Signup and view all the answers

Which balance strategy should be employed for slight sways while standing?

Ankle Strategy Signup and view all the answers

What primarily distinguishes the center of mass from the center of gravity?

Center of mass remains constant unless mass is lost or gained, while center of gravity shifts with movement. Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of sensory systems enhances the body's ability to maintain balance?

Visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would the ankle strategy be most effectively employed?

Slight swaying while maintaining a standing position. Signup and view all the answers

What type of balance strategy is being utilized when a person lowers their center of mass by bending their knees?

Suspension Strategy Signup and view all the answers

When performing balance training on a foam surface with eyes closed, which mode of balance is primarily engaged?

Sensory organization balance training Signup and view all the answers

Which balance strategy is suitable for significant perturbations, requiring a step to regain stability?

Stepping Strategy Signup and view all the answers

What balance strategy would be appropriate for moderate adjustments, such as reaching sideways?

Weight-Shift Strategy Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of factors allows for successful execution of the center of mass and center of gravity concepts in dynamic tasks?

Maintenance of muscle tone and responsiveness of the vestibular system. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is most effective for maintaining balance during unanticipated perturbations?

Stepping Strategy Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to ensure safety while conducting balance exercises with elderly patients?

Using a gait belt and guarding the patient Signup and view all the answers

Which type of balance control involves preparing the body for expected perturbations during an activity?

Anticipatory Postural Control Signup and view all the answers

In developing an exercise program for elderly patients focused on fall prevention, which strategy should be prioritized?

Combined Strategies Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor to consider when implementing exercises aimed at steady state balance control?

Ensuring the use of proper alignment and posture Signup and view all the answers

Which type of exercise is most suitable for improving steady state balance in patients starting from a supine position?

Static seated marches Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal when implementing anticipatory postural control exercises for patients recovering from a head injury?

To prepare them for voluntary movements that challenge balance Signup and view all the answers

Which exercise is most effective for improving reactive balance control for a patient who is experiencing instability while using a walker?

Quick lateral stepping while holding onto a rail Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an important consideration when designing a home exercise program for elderly clients to prevent falls?

Incorporate exercises that challenge strength and stability Signup and view all the answers

How should exercises be progressed over the course of three weeks to improve a patient's balance after a lower extremity surgery?

Add more dynamic movements and increase difficulty gradually Signup and view all the answers

Which balance strategy would be primarily engaged when a patient is standing on an unstable surface with their eyes closed?

Ankle Strategy Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle to consider in developing an exercise program for patients focusing on balance control?

Balance exercises should be tailored to individual needs and abilities Signup and view all the answers

Which sensory system is not primarily involved in maintaining postural control during dynamic movements?

Cognitive System Signup and view all the answers

What type of balance control is characterized by the ability to maintain balance during movement without external perturbations?

Steady State Static Control Signup and view all the answers

Which exercise program component is essential for enhancing balance in elderly patients who are prone to falls?

Balance training focusing on sensory organization Signup and view all the answers

In a balance exercise program, which type of steady state balance control would be most appropriate for a patient who can maintain their stance without hand support?

Tandem Stance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of reactive postural control during unexpected perturbations?

Responding quickly to changes in balance Signup and view all the answers

Which exercise would most effectively promote anticipatory postural control in an elderly patient?

Stepping over an object placed in their path Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a scenario where balance exercises should be adapted for safety during rehabilitation?

Engaging in dynamic exercises with eyes closed on an unstable surface Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of elements would you prioritize for a patient at risk of falls when developing an exercise program?

Balance exercises, sensory training, and functional mobility tasks Signup and view all the answers

For a patient performing exercises on a Dynadisc, what type of steady state balance control is primarily being tested?

Dynamic Balance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Center of Mass vs. Center of Gravity

Center of Mass (COM) is the point in the body where mass is equally distributed in all directions.
Center of Gravity (COG) is the vertical projection of COM to the ground.
The COG shifts as the body moves, but COM remains constant unless mass is gained or lost.

Sensory Systems for Balance Control

Visual system: determines body position relative to surroundings.
Vestibular system: detects head movement and orientation to help maintain balance.
Somatosensory system: uses muscle and joint sensors to provide feedback on body position

Balance Strategies from Minimal to Large Perturbations

Ankle Strategy: Small sway, minimal perturbation (e.g., standing still)
Weight-Shift Strategy: Moderate adjustments, reaching sideways (e.g., picking up an object)
Hip Strategy: Large perturbations, sudden corrections (e.g., stopping suddenly on public transportation)
Suspension Strategy: Lowering COM to maintain stability (e.g., crouching on uneven terrain)
Stepping Strategy: Significant perturbations, restoring base of support (e.g., catching balance after being bumped)

Types of Balance Training

Sensory organization (proprioceptive) balance training: Challenges balance by removing visual input and adding an unstable surface (e.g., standing on foam with eyes closed).
Anticipatory balance training: Requires planning and control for expected movements (e.g., playing catch with a medicine ball).

Center of Mass and Center of Gravity

Center of Mass (COM) is the point where a body’s mass is equally distributed.
Center of Gravity (COG) is the vertical projection of the COM to the ground.
The COG shifts as the body moves, while the COM remains constant unless mass is gained or lost.

Balance Control Sensory Systems

Visual: Provides information about body position relative to surroundings.
Vestibular: Detects head movement and orientation to help maintain equilibrium.
Somatosensory: Provides feedback on body position via sensors in muscles and joints.

Balance Strategies

Ankle Strategy: Relies on ankle muscles for minimal perturbations, like standing still or slight swaying.
Weight-Shift Strategy: Shifts weight side to side for moderate adjustments, like reaching sideways.
Hip Strategy: Corrects balance with larger perturbations, similar to sudden stopping on a bus.
Suspension Strategy: Lowers the COM by bending knees and hips to stay stable, useful on uneven terrain.
Stepping Strategy: Takes a step to regain balance with significant perturbations, like being bumped.

Balance Training Types

Sensory Organization (Proprioceptive) Balance Training: Challenges balance by removing visual input with difficult terrain, enhancing somatosensory and vestibular systems.
- Example: Standing on foam with eyes closed.
Anticipatory Balance Training: Requires planning and control for expected movements, like catching and throwing. Challenges balance through weight shifting and dynamic stability.
- Example: Standing on ground, playing catch with a medicine ball.

Balance Training

Balance training is a must for non-complex patients.
Understanding different motor strategies for balance control is key.
Ankle strategy for minor perturbations.
Weight-shift strategy (lateral) for lateral perturbations.
Suspension strategy for regaining balance after a stumble.
Hip strategy for larger perturbations.
Stepping strategy for larger perturbations when unable to maintain balance.
Combined strategies can be used depending on the situation and patient's capabilities.

Safety Considerations

Always use a gait belt during balance training.
Stand where the patient is likely to fall to ensure their safety.
Ensure a safe environment free of obstacles and with a stable surface to hold onto.
Guard the patient at all times during balance exercises.
Prepare carefully by considering the exercise goal and type of training.
Decide if the exercise is for in-clinic or home program (HEP).

Position and Perform

Prioritize patient safety when positioning.
Determine the necessary equipment for the exercise.
Observe posture and alignment while performing, looking for substitutions.
Always guard! Teach the patient the exercise with clear instructions.

Steady State Balance Exercises

Steady state static balance exercises involve maintaining balance while standing still.
Steady state dynamic balance exercises involve maintaining balance while moving.
Anticipatory postural control focuses on maintaining balance during planned movements.
Reactive postural control emphasizes reacting to unexpected perturbations.

Sensory Organization for Balance

Sensory organization includes vision, vestibular and proprioceptive systems.
Base of support and surface can vary to challenge balance (static and dynamic).
Normal stance is a basic starting point.
Romberg's stance incorporates single point focus and foam block.
Off-set tandem involves single finger support and dynadisc.
Tandem stance requires no hand support and uses a rocker board.
Single leg stance requires no hand support and uses multi-directional wobble board, arms at sides.

Patient Case Examples

Case #1: Mrs. Doubtfire
- 68 year old patient, sustained a fall while exiting the shower.
- Likely needs balance training to prevent future falls.
Case #2: Elroy Jetson
- Sustained a head injury after a fall.
- In a medically induced coma, regained consciousness, weak, struggles to sit up.
- Goal: To independently sit up at the edge of the bed for 10 minutes within a week for a meal.
Case #3: Jane Jetson
- Recently had a Left Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA).
- WBAT (Weight-bearing as tolerated).
- Difficulty walking with a walker – feels unsteady and wobbly.
- Difficulty standing and moving the walker without losing balance.
- Needs to be able to transfer to bed independently.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the concepts of center of mass and center of gravity, and understand their significance in physics. Learn about the sensory systems involved in balance control and discover various balance strategies for different types of perturbations. Test your knowledge with this engaging quiz on balance and forces in physics.