The balance 'complex'

Maintaining balance and preventing falls is a complicated and well-tuned machine. Balance involves a combination of sensory input, muscular control, and coordination. There are many 'systems' at play, and all must be in good working order to prevent those falls and to improve movement efficiency as we go about our day (or even if we are a sportsman or woman striving for that extra edge). 

Here are those key systems, keeping us safe on our feet.

• Vision. Our eyes provide visual cues about our surroundings, allowing us to detect changes in our environment and adjust our balance accordingly.

• Vestibular System. Located in the inner ear, the vestibular system detects changes in head position and movement, helping us maintain equilibrium.

• Proprioception. This refers to the body's ability to sense the position and movement of our limbs. Proprioceptors are found in our muscles, joints, and tendons, providing feedback to the brain about body position and helping us adjust accordingly.

• Muscular Strength. Strong muscles, particularly in the core, legs, and ankles, play a vital role in maintaining balance. These muscles provide stability and support to keep us upright.

• Coordination. The ability to coordinate movement and make adjustments in response to sensory information is crucial for balance. This includes the smooth integration of muscles, joints, and sensory systems.

• Posture. Good posture distributes our body weight evenly, reducing strain on specific areas and helping us maintain balance more effectively.

• Attention and Concentration. Being mindful of our surroundings and maintaining focus can help us anticipate and react to potential balance disruptions.

• Adaptive Strategies. When faced with challenging or uneven terrain, our body uses adaptive strategies such as widening our base of support, using handrails, or making quick adjustments to maintain stability.

It is good to know that balance and it's complex systems can be 'exercised' to see improvements. The simple 'sit to stand' exercise is a great and easy example of this. Your physiotherapist can offer you many more fun balance exercises if you are struggling and feel you are a little shaky on your feet.

 _{Photo by Ksenia on Unsplash}