Table 3 Guidelines for static steady-state, reactive, and proactive balance exercises
Balance (static) | Exercise variables | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
Steady-state | Base of support | Stable to instable: bipedal – semi-tandem – tandem – one leg stance (Figure 2) |
Position of feet | i.e., lateral or medial weight shift, on heels or toes, toe angle in or out | |
Surface | i.e., from soft to hard (e.g., grass to concrete), from stable to instable (e.g., concrete to sand) | |
Sensory input | Impede vision or hearing | |
Dual-/Multi-tasking | Additional motor task – additional cognitive task – additional motor and cognitive tasks | |
Speed of movement | Decrease or increase of execution speed (i.e., upper arm movements) | |
Equipment | Use of i.e., free weights, elastic bands, balls | |
Reactive | Controlled perturbations applied by therapist | Reaction to external thread (push or pull) varying in speed, amplitude and direction on ankle, hip, trunk or shoulder level |
Proactive | ADL | Combination of steady-state (static) balance tasks with mobility in daily life (e.g., standing up from a chair while reciting a poem and holding a cup of water) |