Balance
Balance impairments may result from a combination of the following identified deficits during a Physical Therapy evaluation of sensory and motor functions:
- Pain
- Musculoskeletal Strength
- Joint Range of Motion
- Gait Abnormalities
- Body Awareness in space
- Postural Stability and Alignment
- Sensation in Feet--Related to neuropathies
- Somatosensory System--Spatial location and movement related to supportive surface
- Vestibular System--Head and eye movements in space and degree of acceleration
- Visual System
- Medical History--Remote and current, including ear, post-concussion, MVA acceleration accidents, and fall history
Biodex Balance and Stability System
Traditional Land Tests for Balance
- Postural Control and Stability: Degree of sway and percent weight-bearing into 4 quadrants, during static stance.
- Limits of Stability: Ability to weight shift center of gravity over base of support into 8 quadrants; including type of movement strategy utilized.
- Fall Risk: Ability to maintain center of gravity, and foot ankle strategy, on variable moving surface.
- Athlete Single Leg Stance: Maintain center o gravity over unilateral leg support on static or variable surface.
- Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance: Somatosensory, vestibular, visual systems.
Traditional Land Tests for Balance
- Tinetti
- Berg
- Functional Gait Assessment