Movement System Diagnoses for Balance Dysfunction: Recommendations From the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy's...

Area of Science:

• Physical therapy
• Neurology
• Movement science

Background:

• The American Physical Therapy Association's 2013 vision emphasizes the movement system.
• Developing movement system diagnoses is crucial for clinical practice, research, and education.
• Existing movement system diagnoses do not specifically address balance dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the development of movement system (balance) diagnoses by a task force.
• To report recommended diagnostic labels and examination findings for balance dysfunction.
• To outline the clinical decision-making process for balance diagnoses and care planning.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of diagnostic frameworks related to balance.
• Integration of the Framework for Movement Analysis for standardized assessment.
• Development of 10 distinct movement system diagnoses for balance dysfunction.

Main Results:

• Identification of 10 distinct movement system diagnoses for balance dysfunction.
• Detailed descriptions of examination findings for each balance diagnosis.
• A proposed clinical decision-making process for diagnosing and managing balance problems.

Conclusions:

• The proposed balance diagnoses can enhance clinical decision-making in physical therapy.
• Further validation and implementation are needed for practice, education, and research.
• These diagnoses support the profession's focus on the movement system.