Does your balance need to be improved?

The Department of Health and Age Care, Western Australia, define balance as the “ability to be able to maintain your centre of gravity over the base of support”. Balance can be divided up into two types:

1. Static Balance – the ability of the body to maintain a stable position when stationary, such as standing.
2. Dynamic Balance – the ability of the body to maintain a stable position when moving, such as walking.

In 2022, the Department reported that across Australia from 2002 falls resulting in hospitalisations increased 3% each year, with just over 130,000 people aged 65 and over being hospitalised due to a fall last year.

There have been several recent journal publications, including recently the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which have shown that a direct link exists between a reduction in balance and an increased risk of falling.

A physiotherapist can assess both your static and dynamic balance, and grade such. This is often performed in standing with the physiotherapist standing close by for safety. Depending on the quality of the balance, and the duration, the assessment may involve standing with the legs shoulder-with apart, standing with one leg in front of the other leg, standing on one leg, addition the eyes closed, standing on a towel (to make the surface uneven), the addition of rotating the neck or the trunk, and several other assessment techniques.

The goal of the objective measures of balance is threefold:

1. To quantify the degree and safety of an individual’s balance
2. For re-assessment at a later date, that is, to assess the effectiveness of the balance exercises
3. So suitable balance exercises can be given to challenge the individual appropriately.

There are many exercises that can be given to assist in increasing balance, and therefore reducing the risk of falling. The over-arching principle however, regardless of the exercise, is safety. Balance exercises are to be done in front of something sturdy and secure, such as the kitchen counter. If a loss of balance occurs when performing the exercises, the sturdy surface can be used for assistance.

If your balance could be improved, book in with Robert to see how evidence-based balance exercises may assist you. For an appointment, either call 9203 7771 or book online at www.ngp.net.au.