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What is balance?

Pollock, A.S. and Durward, B.R. and Rowe, P.J. and Paul, J.P. (2000) What is balance? Clinical Rehabilitation, 14 (4). pp. 402-406. ISSN 0269-2155

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Abstract

Balance is a term frequently used by health professionals working in a wide variety of clinical specialities. There is no universally accepted definition of human balance, or related terms. This article identifies mechanical definitions of balance and introduces clinical definitions of balance and postural control. Postural control is defined as the act of maintaining, achieving or restoring a state of balance during any posture or activity. Postural control strategies may be either predictive or reactive, and may involve either a fixed-support or a change-in-support response. Clinical tests of balance assess different components of balance ability. Health professionals should select clinical assessments based on a sound knowledge and understanding of the classification of balance and postural control strategies.

Item type: Article
ID code: 13517
Keywords: bioengineering, health assessment, balance, gravity sensing, posture, Bioengineering, Other systems of medicine, Physiology, Human anatomy, Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Subjects: Technology > Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) > Bioengineering
Medicine > Other systems of medicine
Science > Physiology
Science > Human anatomy
Department: Faculty of Engineering > Bioengineering
Faculty of Engineering > National Centre for Prosthetics and Orthotics
Depositing user: Miss Lucy Jones
Date deposited: 26 Nov 2009 13:23
Last modified: 19 Apr 2019 02:07
URI: https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/13517
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