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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
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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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).

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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.