Standard Limits Of Stability And Senior Balance Exercises

Understanding Limits Of Stability For Senior Balance Exercises

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

   Stability for older adults has many components including a natural limit of stability that can be enhanced with senior balance exercises. Please see   http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Balance exercises have been proven by healthcare professionals and medical researchers to be very effective in improving general balance abilities and in specifically enhancing a person's limit of stability. There are several basic principles of steadiness that relate to balance skills. One such balance principle involves a person's limit of stability. The definition of an individual's limit of stability is "the largest distance in any direction a person can lean away from a midline vertical position without falling, stepping or reaching for external support." The concept of limits of stability is an important key to improving  balance skills for older adults. As we age, we generally experience a decrease in ankle flexibility and  a reduction in leg strength.  Ankle mobility and lower leg strength are essential components of safety and steadiness with all standing and moving activities. Furthermore, with stiff ankles and weak leg muscles, most seniors decrease their limit of stability, meaning they lose the ability to safely and efficiently balance at their feet and ankles. With a small or narrow limit of stability, older adults are more likely to be thrown off balance beyond their limit of stability, resulting in a fall and possible injury. Thankfully, healthcare professionals have determined that by rehearsing balance routines on a regular basis can advance a person's limit of stability and decrease their potential for falling.

Senior Balance Exercises For Steady Standing

     In our Physical Therapy clinic, we understand the basic principles of balance and the necessary senior balance exercises that should be practiced to enhance overall steadiness. The equilibrium exercises we practice everyday in our physical therapy clinic include specific techniques to increase the distance and control for a person's limit of stability. For example, when we first start working with a new patient, they may be able to lean forward about two inches from their midline before losing their balance. By practicing senior balance exercises and specific routines that work on controlling their weight shifting, they can increase the distance of controlled movement to more like six inches after a few weeks of practice.  As a Physical Therapist, I begin each session with a review of specific balance techniques that concentrate on the sense of touch between the individual's feet and the floor. Next, we practice steadiness exercises that emphasize weight shifting within the  person's base of support. Additionally, we spend time working on controlling the person's center balance point within their limit of stability. Furthermore, we perform equilibrium exercises that aim to develop a greater distance within the limit of stability for each patient. those stability exercises are followed by more challenging mobility routines as the person is able to progress to enhance all facets of balance  abilities. To follow along with a successful balance exercise program developed by an experienced Physical  Therapist, get the Exercise For Balance DVD.

Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

      Each one of us has a natural limit of stability and to learn how to maximize your own limit of stability, begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The Exercise For Balance DVD is an exceptional instructional tool to use at home or in a group setting. The comprehensive Balance DVD is loaded with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like bike riding, dancing and hiking. In the Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, stability techniques and balance routines from a 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

 Become more stable by starting 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/