MOVEMENT & BALANCE
 

All activities are dependent upon intact balance. We can't sit, arise from a chair, stand or walk without an intact balance system. Balance is dependent on the proper functioning of the muscular, sensory, visual and vestibular systems. When these systems work together we have a stable base of support on which movement can occur. People that do not have a stable base of support are not confident in their ability to sit, stand, reach or walk. They are afraid to move. This fear leads to their limiting physical activity and to further loss of muscle strength and flexibility, which worsens their balance further. Decline of the visual , vestibular , motor and sensory systems occur with aging. These systems can also deteriorate due to the effects of neurologic, orthopedic and medical illness. Patients with strokes, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and neuropathy have poor balance reactions due to muscular weakness, sensory deficits, or vestibular problems. Patients with orthopedic conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, and lumbar stenosis have impairment of sensation, strength, flexibility and pain. Patients with medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and COPD can develop muscular weakness and fatigue.