Balance and Postural Control Lecture Notes

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to balance, postural control, and fall risk assessment from the lecture notes.

Balance

The process by which the body’s position is maintained in equilibrium.

Postural Control

Controlling the body’s position in space for stability and orientation.

Center of Mass (COM)

The point that is the center of the total body mass.

Base of Support (BOS)

The perimeter of the contact area between the body and the support surface.

Limits of Stability (LOS)

Sway boundaries within which an individual can maintain equilibrium without changing BOS.

Center of Pressure (COP)

The center of the distribution of total forces applied to the supporting surface.

Anticipatory Postural Adjustments (APAs)

Postural adjustments for voluntary movement occurring before an expected perturbation.

Compensatory Postural Adjustments (CPAs)

Postural adjustments in response to external disturbances after a perturbation.

Intrinsic Fall Risk Factors

Internal factors such as history of falls, sensory loss, strength, and chronic health conditions that can increase fall risk.

Extrinsic Fall Risk Factors

External factors, including environmental hazards, that can contribute to falls.

Fear of Falling (FoF)

Anxiety about falling, which can limit activity and lead to further risk of falls.

Posturography

A method used to assess balance and postural control by measuring sway and stability.

Cerebellum

The part of the brain important for integrating sensory input and adapting motor output for balance.

Motor Output Components

Includes joint range of motion, muscle strength, and timing of muscle activation necessary for balance.

Stepping Strategies

Recovery strategies that involve taking steps to regain balance after a perturbation.

Neuromuscular Disorders

Conditions that affect the nerves and muscles, impacting balance and postural control.

Vestibular Dysfunction

Impairment of the vestibular system that affects balance stability.

Fatigue and Balance

Fatigue can adversely affect sensory input and motor output, impacting postural control.