Balance Training

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Introduction[edit | edit source]

Balance training is the practice of using exercises to improve stability usually by strengthening core muscles. It is popular in the treatment plan of geriatric patients, as it prevents falls; the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide [1]. In some cases, balance training is recommended with patients with debilitating ailments affecting proprioception, vestibular inputs, and muscle strength. A special case is that of a below knee amputation, where the change of center of gravity and base of support affects functional equilibrium in dynamic activities[2]. Balance training is also used during recreation for individuals who wish to improve posture strength and stability. It is also used in sports training to improve the coordination of athletes.

Indication[edit | edit source]

Balance training is cuts across several treatment plans as balance is a vital part of human kinetics. The following are indications of Balance training,

Vestibular Disorders
Lower limb Amputations
Stroke rehabilitation
Parkinsons diseases
Multiple sclerosis
Neuropathies
Postural dysfunction

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Balance Training exercises are graded. This implies that the intensity of the exercise is dependent on consideration of the patients abilities, disabilites and treatment goals.

The determination of the range of balance training exercises can be determined with an assessment of patients balance. this assesmemt is done in consideration of the presented symptomes and diagnosis.

This includes,

1) the evaluation of the visual system:

2) the evaluation of the somatosensory system

3)an evaluation of the vestibular sytem

4) an assessment of musculoskeletal elements

5)special tests such as Rombergs test

Functional Sequence of Balance Training[edit | edit source]

In rehabilitation of debilitating cases, balance activities start from lying to kneeling to sitting and then progresses to static and dynamic standing and walking.

Lying

prone lying (neck extension)
prone on elbows
prone on hands

Kneeling

4 point kneeling
Kneel sitting
2 point kneeling
Half kneeling

Sitting

high sitting with food on ground
weight shifts (without arm support and foot touching the ground)
sit walking
long sitting

Sit to stand

static

double limb stance
single leg stance
Tandem position

dynamic

static marching
wobbling board

Walking

Forward
backward
Tandem
Braiding
Treadmill

In athletics, balance training exercises to improve coordination and strength, in the absence of a diagnosis of infirmities.