Gaze Stabilization And Balance Exercises

Eye Exercises Combined With Balance Exercises

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com

       As we age, it is essential to perform exercises that enhance stability and function including specific visual and balance exercises. Please see   http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now As an overview, the balance system in our brain relies on three main sources of input from the eyes, inner ear vestibular system and sense of touch from the feet to help maintain an upright position with all movement activities. As we age, each one of these sensory inputs declines in their ability to function, resulting in diminished stability and a greater risk of falling. Consequently, for older adults it is critical to practice a variety of exercises meant to maximize steadiness and visual acuity on a daily basis. One of the basic eye exercises which should be rehearsed is geared to enhance gaze stabilization. Gaze stabilization is the ability of the eyes, cervical spine, inner ear vestibular system and brain to coordinate visual information to allow an image to remain stable on the retina of the eye while the head is moving. To perform a gaze stabilization exercise, follow these steps:

Sit in a comfortable chair and hold a card with a 1 inch letter written on it at arms length in front of you.

• While keeping eyes focused on the letter move your head from side to side approx. 30 degrees.  

• Increase speed of head movement with each progression.

• As function improves, move the card opposite to the head movement while keeping the eyes focused on the letters.

• Move the head to the left and the card to the right keeping the eyes focused on the letters.

• Begins slowly and increase the speed as the test progresses. Progress from sitting to standing to a sharpened stance.

• Post the card on the wall with a plain background and progress to posting on a wall with a busy patterned background.

  Practice these eye exercises while challenging your balance by adding movement like in this video clip.

Combine Balance Exercises With Eye Exercises

  One way to maximize your time and effectiveness of stability exercises is to rehearse balance exercises and eye exercises together. As an example, you can practice the visual routine described above while sitting in a comfortable and stable position to start with. You can progress your exercise regime by combining the same eye exercise program with steadiness exercises. For instance, you can continue with the eye routine while standing with your feet shoulder width a part. Next, you can make the routine more difficult by standing on one foot and continuing with the same eye exercises. Additionally, you can advance the difficulty  to a greater degree by performing the gaze stabilization routine while you are walking. For a more detailed demonstration and explanation of appropriate stability techniques and specific balance exercises, please follow along with the experienced Physical Therapist in the Exercise For Balance DVD.

Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    To learn how to maximize eye and stability routines together, begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The easy to follow Balance DVD is than exceptional educational tool to use at home or in a group setting. The comprehensive  DVD is filled with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance overall fitness and to perform basic activities like reading while on the go, walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like playing tennis,  dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, stability techniques and balance routines from a balance instructor--licensed Physical Therapist-- who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

Get a jump start on balance exercises today with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health-information/