Lecture E – Balance

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to posture control and balance as discussed in the lecture.

Postural Control

The ability to control the body’s position in space for stability and orientation.

Centre of Mass (COM)

The center of the total body mass, determined by finding the weighted average of the COM of each body segment.

Centre of Gravity (COG)

The vertical projection of the Centre of Mass (COM).

Base of Support (BOS)

The area of the body in contact with the supporting surface.

Steady State Balance

A form of balance where the body maintains a stable position without excessive sway.

Reactive Balance Control

The ability to recover balance in response to external disturbances.

Proactive Balance Control

Anticipatory postural control to prevent loss of balance during movement.

Vestibular System

A sensory system that provides the CNS with information about head position and movement.

Lateral Vestibular Spinal Tract

A descending motor pathway crucial for maintaining posture and balance by exciting extensor muscles.

Medial Vestibular Spinal Tract

A tract involved in head and neck control, maintaining stability during head movements.

Muscle Synergies

Coordinated muscle activation patterns that help maintain posture and balance.

Postural Tasks

Activities that require balance control, including steady state, reactive, and proactive tasks.

Functional Reach Test

A measure used to assess the dynamic balance and reach of an individual.

Ataxia

Loss of coordination and stability often resulting from vestibular or neuromuscular impairments.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.