Balance

Although we rarely think about it, balance depends on a highly sophisticated system.

It relies on three main sensory inputs:

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1. Vision, which helps you see where you are and where you are going,

2. The vestibular system, they are like the inner ear balance sensors,

3. Proprioception, sensory information from muscles and joints that tells your brain where your body is in space.

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The brainstem integrates input from these three systems with data from the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex. By synthesising these signals, the brain directs the eyes and muscles to maintain balance and keep the body upright. 

Think of the cerebellum as your brain’s 'autopilot.' When you first learn a new move, the thinking part of your brain (cerebral cortex) has to work really hard to figure it out. But as you practice, your autopilot takes over, turning those shaky first steps into smooth, automatic 'muscle memory.'

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How Will My Balance Be Measured?

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During your session, we will perform a series of tests to assess your static, dynamic, and reactive balance. These tests help us understand how your balance system functions in different situations and guide your individual treatment plan.

 

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Static Balance

Static balance is your ability to maintain your body’s centre of mass over its base of support while at rest. In simple terms, it is your ability to hold a position without wobbling or falling when you are not moving.

 

Although static balance may seem passive, it is actually a highly active process. As mentioned above, your brain continuously processes information from your eyes, vestibular system, and sensory receptors in your muscles and joints to keep you upright.

 

Examples of static balance in daily life include standing on one leg during a yoga class, waiting in line at the supermarket, or maintaining your balance while standing on a bus.

 

Static balance forms the foundation for dynamic balance. During the session, we will perform several tests to assess your static balance as objectively as possible.

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​​Dynamic Balance

Dynamic balance is the ability to remain stable while moving. If your body struggles to maintain stability while standing still, more complex movements, such as walking on uneven ground or climbing stairs, become more difficult and increase the risk of falls and injury.

 

During the session, we will use specific tests to objectively assess your dynamic balance, such as the Dynamic Gait Index.

 

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Reactive Balance
While static balance focuses on staying still and dynamic balance on controlled movement, reactive balance is your body’s 'emergency response' system.

 

It refers to your ability to regain stability after an unexpected external force or sudden disturbance. In everyday life, this might happen when a bus suddenly brakes, when you slip on a rug, or when you trip over an obstacle.

 

Reactive balance can be more challenging to assess in a clinical setting, but there are several effective ways to evaluate how well your body responds to these unexpected situations.