Good balance requires a well-integrated nervous system with adequate afferent information, mobile joint and sound muscles. Faults in any of these factors will influence the patient’s ability to balance. The ability to balance needs to be assessed in various postures and during movements from one posture to another. The earliest balance activity involves balancing the head over the upper trunk in prone lying and supported sitting, whereas a very advanced balance activity could be walking, carrying a tray full of glasses while avoiding and talking to people who are passing by!
Obviously circus artistes perform many more advanced balance activities but few of us aspire to their heights. Thus, it would take a complete volume to assess every posture and movement for balance. However, having selected a position for assessment suitable for the patient the following procedure may be adopted:…
