1 - Equilibrium and Postural Control

Vision

Perceive movement; orient body in space

Vestibular

Info on postural control and balance; semicircular canals detect angular acceleration/deceleration forces affecting the head; otolith organs detect linear acceleration and responds to gravity; helps orient the head

Somatosensory

Detects pressure sensation that is in contact with the support surface (involves muscles and joints)

What is postural control and why is it important?

*Add info when Mrs. leighman goes over this in class

Includes postural control system:

• Limits stability

• Sensory organization

• Eye head stabilization

• Musculoskeletal system

• Motor coordination

• Predictive central set

• Environment adaptation

In what order does postural control develop?

1.) Righting reactions 2.) Protective reactions 3.) Equilibrium reactions

Nashner’s model of postural control (in standing)

• Ankle strategy - solid surface; whole body sways back and forth

• Hip strategy - hips move back and head moves forward; vice versa is true as well

• Stepping strategy - ???

How does coordinated movement change as we age?

• Dec strength

• Slowed reaction time

• Dec ROM

• Postural changes

• Impaired balance

How is postural and motor control affected as we age?

*see what mrs. leighman says

Romberg test

A neurological examination used to assess balance and coordination

• Involves asking the patient to stand with their feet together, eyes closed, and arms at their sides for 30 seconds. 

What postural sway would you expect for a patient with Parkinson’s?

Little sway due to rigidity

What postural sway would you expect for a patient with ataxia?

A lot of sway due to imbalance

What happens if we don’t have postural control?

• Can’t coordinate our movements effectively

• Risk injury