ARTICLES / General / Balance – Fall Prevention /
Other ArticlesBy Lori Peppi Michiel
Maintaining balance is the result of a complex
interaction of many systems in the human body.
With aging, changes occur that reduce how efficient
these systems work. Many identifying risk
factors for falling can be, but not limited to,
balance/gait problems, prior falls, vision, limited
ability to perform Activities of Daily Living
(ADL’s), depression/dementia and medications.
But, intervention programs work! Evidence
shows 20 percent to 50 percent lower fall rates with
a systematic program of evaluation, exercise and
environment.
Balance is so complex; an exercise program can
reduce the risk of falls. Exercise performed
at a moderate intensity or progress from low to
moderate intensity two to three times a week is
recommended
Muscle groups that can affect function:
- Tight hip flexors (occur when sitting too
long) can be stretched to help alleviate low
back pain.
- Tight hamstring muscles can also lead to low
back pain, so strengthening the quadriceps and
hamstrings will help.
- Tight calf muscles can cause knees to
internally rotate; stretching will improve
balance.
Muscle imbalance occurs when muscles on one side
of the joint are strong and tight, and the opposing
muscles on the other side are weak. Muscle
imbalances can be corrected with strength training.
Stretch short, tight muscles, strengthen the weak
muscles and continue to train both muscles equally.
Other muscles affected include weak abdominals,
gluteus medius and maximus, tight pectoralis
muscles, tight lumbar spine, etc.
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