My question today relates to your physical abilities rather than your life in general – though physical balance, or lack thereof, has a huge impact on our life. Balance is an integral part of movement and posture. Without it we can be dizzy, nauseous, have blurred vision, feel faint, be unsteady and even fall.
Balance is regulated by 3 main systems in your body:
- Inner Ear (vestibular system)
- Vision
- Joints, Ligaments and Muscles (proprioception)
These systems send messages to your brain where they are combined to coordinate balance. If anyone of these is not working properly then balance can be compromised.
Measuring the cause and extent of balance impairment has been challenging in the past, usually involving some basic tests and a lot of guess work. This is changing with new technology that allows comprehensive, objective, balance measurement.
At Alpine Physiotherapy we have a Biodex SD Balance System – the only one of its kind outside Vancouver. It tests all 3 balance systems and compares these results to normal data for a person of the same age.
If a problem is found, the Biodex helps design a rehabilitation program to correct the part that is not working properly. The Biodex can then be used to retest and ensure that the problem is fixed.
With this technology there are less reasons to live with poor balance.
While there are many applications for the Biodex SD, we commonly use it for the following tasks:
- Concussion screening for athletes pre season
- Concussion testing after injury
- Fall risk assessment for people in danger of falls
- Balance rehabilitation for lower limb injuries
- Balance rehabilitation for joint replacement patients and amputees
- Vertigo / Vestibular rehabilitation
- Research
This piece of equipment is the ultimate way to measure a persons balance, or lack thereof, and we are very fortunate to have this resource in Northern BC.
If you, or anyone you know, has concerns about their balance, or plays contact sports, please contact us for an assessment:
250.877.6966 or email.
Assessments are FREE for people over 60 and athletes competing in contact sports.
I will try to post a video of the Biodex in action; in the meantime you can check out this link: Biodex SD
Thanks for your time,
