Balance

Balance is a complex process that involves receiving and integrating sensory inputs, planning movements, and executing them to maintain an upright posture.

What is a balance disorder?

A balance disorder is a condition that makes you feel unsteady or dizzy. Whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down, you may experience sensations of movement, spinning, or floating. While walking, you might suddenly feel as if you are tipping over.

What causes falls?

• Balance problems can interfere with daily activities and increase the risk of falling.

• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or issues with the thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels, can affect balance and lead to falls.

• Conditions that require sudden movements, such as rushing to the bathroom due to incontinence, may also raise the risk of falling.

• Older adults with mild cognitive impairment or certain types of dementia have a higher risk of falling.

• Age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), balance and gait problems, and a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position (postural hypotension) are also major risk factors.

Physiotherapy for Reducing the Risk of Falls

• Aquatic therapy utilizes the physical properties of water, such as resistance, as described in Archimedes’ and Pascal’s principles.

• Buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure in water provide additional support, enabling patients to perform exercises more easily while reducing the impact of a fall.

• Balance and strength training can significantly improve stability. Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi are excellent for enhancing both balance and muscle strength.

• Balance and coordination exercise programs challenge an individual’s balance to strengthen both the vestibular and musculoskeletal systems.

Balance exercise programs typically include:

• Exercises on different terrains

• Exercises on different bases of support, e.g., standing on one foot or using a wobble board

• Exercises performed without visual feedback

• Exercises that extend beyond the base of support, e.g., reaching movements

• Dynamic exercises that require movement beyond the base of support

• Exercises using a Swiss ball

Many individuals can benefit from a physiotherapy assessment and a personalized balance exercise program.

A balance disorder is a condition that causes feelings of unsteadiness or dizziness. Regardless of whether you are standing, sitting, or lying down, you might feel as though you are moving, spinning, or floating. While walking, you could abruptly feel like you are tipping over.