Balance, defined as the ability to maintain the body’s center of gravity over the base of
support, requires full integrity of an elegant and complicated system. Postural control
is the ability to maintain an upright position (in sitting or standing) when stationary or
when performing activities. The postural control system incorporates (1) sensory
detection (through the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems), (2) integration
of sensorimotor information within the central nervous system, and (3) proper coordinated
movement patterns and responses.57–59 When deterioration or damage occurs
to one or more of these systems, impairment of balance occurs.60–62 More specifically,
an ability to accurately assess (sense) the position of the center of gravity relative to
the base of support will disrupt balance. Second, when automatic movements to
maintain balance are triggered too slowly or ineffectively, balance becomes distorted.
Impairments affecting balance, such as muscular weakness, proprioceptive deficits,
limitations in range of motion, and visual/vestibular deficits, can lead to falls and
restrict an individual’s normal motor activities, thereby limiting one’s sense of independence,
and adversely affecting the quality of life. The prevalence of balance disorders
in the overall population of the United States is unknown. It is estimated that at least
half of the overall population of the United States are affected by a balance or vestibular
disorder sometime during their life (http://www.cdc.gov). Thus, there is a high
probability that individuals aging with and into disability will experience balance problems
sometime in their lifetime. Finding low-cost and safe balance training tools is
imperative as the baby boomers continue to age and potentially increase the risk of
falls.