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What is balance?
A S Pollock1, B R Durward, P J Rowe
1Department of Physiotherapy, Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, Scotland. pollock@middleton4.freeserve.co.uk
Clinical Rehabilitation
|August 17, 2000
Summary
This article clarifies human balance and postural control definitions for health professionals. Understanding these concepts and strategies improves clinical balance assessments.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Clinical Medicine
- Human Physiology
Background:
- The term "balance" is widely used across clinical specialities, yet lacks a universal definition.
- Existing literature presents mechanical definitions but lacks comprehensive clinical definitions for balance and postural control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify mechanical definitions of human balance.
- To introduce clinical definitions of balance and postural control.
- To provide a framework for understanding postural control strategies and their clinical application.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to identify mechanical definitions of balance.
- Synthesis of information to define clinical balance and postural control.
- Classification of postural control strategies (predictive/reactive, fixed/change-in-support).
Main Results:
- Balance definitions vary, lacking universal acceptance.
- Postural control is defined as maintaining, achieving, or restoring balance during activities.
- Postural control strategies include predictive/reactive and fixed/change-in-support responses.
Conclusions:
- A clear understanding of balance and postural control is essential for health professionals.
- Clinical balance assessments should be informed by knowledge of balance components and postural control strategies.
- Standardized definitions and classifications enhance the precision of clinical practice and research.