Balance is your body’s ability to maintain control over its center of mass (COM) while staying within your base of support. Essentially, it's how we stay upright and steady while moving or standing still.
This balance system depends on constant input from three key systems (visual, vestibular, proprioceptive).
Balance is commonly impaired in the following conditions:
- Aging: Slower reaction times, weaker proprioception, stiff joints and tight muscles can reduce the ability to correct imbalance.
- Diabetes: Type II Diabetes can cause peripheral neuropathy, reducing foot sensation and increasing imbalance risk.
- Neurological disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke or cerebellar ataxia.
- Lower limb injuries/surgeries: Procedures like total knee replacement or ACL reconstruction can impair joint position sense.
- Vestibular dysfunctions: Vertigo or dizziness can cause conflicting sensory information, leading to instability.