Balance Training

Balance Training exercises are used to improve steadiness so that daily activities for self-care, work, and leisure can be performed successfully. Exercises used to improve balance should be designed to address each patient’s specific underlying balance problem(s).  Also, the exercises need to be moderately challenging, but safe enough so patients do not fall while doing them. Features of the balance exercises that are manipulated to make them challenging, include: 

• Visual and/or somatosensory cues
• Stationary positions and dynamic movements
• Coordinated movement strategies (movements from ankles, hips, or a combination of both)
• Dual tasks (performing a task while balancing) 

Additionally, balance exercises should be designed to reduce environmental barriers and fall risk. For example, the exercises should help improve patients’ ability to walk outside on uneven ground or walk in the dark. Ultimately, balance training exercises are designed to help improve standing, bending, reaching, turning, walking, and if required, other more demanding activities like running, so that patients can safely and confidently return to their daily activities.