Ch. 13 and 14 - SPE 310

  • Understanding Balance

    • Balance is influenced by:
    • Surface: The type of surface being stood on impacts stability.
    • Gravity: This external force affects weight distribution and limb adjustments.
    • Balancing involves keeping the head centered over the torso.

  • Developmental Stages of Coordination

    • Ages 0-6: Focus on coordination between upper and lower body (e.g., activities like skipping or hopping while clapping).
    • Ages 7 to Teen: Refinement of head stabilization occurs. Adolescents learn to control head positioning during activities, enhancing body awareness.
    • Adulthood: Adults refine their degrees of freedom in neck and body movements, optimizing balance control.

  • Children and Frames of Reference

    • Kids learn balance through experiences like flipping and spinning in the air, needing to visualize their orientation to the ground. Understanding different frames of reference is crucial in learning to balance.
    • Example: A child might feel anxious if seeing the ground while upside down, indicating a need to maintain head positioning.

  • Challenges to Balance

    • Various challenges complicate balance, especially in changing environments. Examples of compensatory strategies include:
    • Sliding feet across slippery surfaces.
    • Relying on leg muscles.
    • Using rails or support (e.g., while navigating stairs).

  • Differences in Balance Strategies Between Age Groups

    • Younger Adults: Tend to rely initially on ankle and thigh muscles for balance.
    • Older Adults: Use hip and quadriceps muscles first, compensating for decreased ankle strength. They may make slower responses due to natural decline in balance ability with age.

  • Factors Affecting Balance in Older Adults

    • Sensory Decline: Loss of sensory receptors leads to difficulty in balance.
    • Joint Health: Conditions like arthritis can hinder balance.
    • Reaction Times: Aging leads to slower responses to disturbances (e.g., someone bumping into them).

  • Improving Balance

    • Balance can improve through regular practice and therapy, focusing on strengthening muscles used during balance activities.
    • Equipment such as balance boards, foam pads, or trampolines can be useful for exercise and training.

  • Cognitive Components and Practical Applications

    • Activities that integrate cognitive elements with physical balance (e.g., standing on one leg while solving a problem) can enhance balance skills.

  • Application in Real-Life Contexts

    • Incorporate balance activities proactively in physical education settings to assist various age groups, particularly children with conditions like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia.
    • Use alternative seating, sensory toys, or frequent breaks to stimulate and enhance focus and balance in classroom settings.

  • Cultural and Social Influences

    • Cultural context can shape movement behaviors and stereotypes in physical activities (e.g., certain sports associated with particular regions).
    • The environment, task constraints, and social attitudes all significantly influence participation and performance in physical activity.