Balance is often discussed as something that people need improvements in. But what exactly does the term “balance” refer to? Our sense of balance comes from the input of 3 different sensory systems that coordinate to help us maintain stability. These three systems are the vestibular system, proprioception, and the visual system.
- Vestibular System: This system refers to your body’s awareness of the position of your head and it’s relation to any movements occurring. Small organs located in the inner ear detect linear movements and gravity (called the utricle and saccule). There are also fluid filled tubes, called semicircular canals, which sense rotational-type movements of the head. These organs then send input to the brain so appropriate motor function can take place for spatial orientation and to keep your vision clear.
- Propriception:Muscles/tendons, joints, and skin all have receptors that sense stretch and pressure in order to communicate to your brain how your body is positioned in space. For example, receptors in your feet/ankles may send signals regarding foot position and/or the surface you are standing on. Receptors in the neck may give input as to how your head is positioned for proper orientation.
- Visual System: input from our eyes is used to locate surrounding objects and where our bodies are in relation to those objects (peripherally, vertically, etc). This information then allows proper motor functions to take place to improve stability based on our surroundings.
All of these systems are integrated together and make up our balance system. But what happens if one of these systems is not functioning properly (due to age, disease, injury, etc)? Physical therapy can help identify balance deficits and improve your stability to decrease fall risk.
Now that we know what exactly balance is, continue reading next week to learn more about specific ways you can improve balance and prevent falls, both in your home and in physical therapy.
Reference: The Vestibular Disorders Association. (2008). The Human Balance System- A complex coordination of Central and Peripheral Systems.Retrieved from http://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorder/human-balance-system.