Braces support gait by positioning weak joints.
Gait and balance training tools are traditionally used by physical therapists to help clients with weakened joints, muscles and lower body extremities regain control of their walking capacities. Balance training tools are normal prescriptives for individuals who lose balance due to age- or weight-related mobility loss. Gait training tools are generally useful for people who have suffered direct joint and muscle damage as effects of disease or accidents.
Joint Positioning Devices
According to the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, assistive bracing devices train wearers to walk properly by supporting weak joints and lower extremities. Accidents, disease and general trauma to bones and joints of the legs, knees, ankles and hips often result in dysfunctional gait. A Biomechanics Lab clinical study showed that properly fitted joint braces bear weight, transfer motion and prevent joint strain. While weak or damaged joints are healing, proper gait is enabled by brace-forced positioning of the joint.
Body Weight Supports
External devices that support body weight take significant pressure off the hips and lower extremities, enabling steadier gait. They also instill confidence in users by reducing the fear of falling when trying to walk, which encourages users to walk faster. A study published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development showed that subjects with weak weight-bearing muscles benefited from wearing harnesses during treadmill gait training. Body weight supports promoted gait symmetry by preventing pelvic movements and shock absorption at the bottom of the foot.
Balancing While Standing
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, several tools can be used to help patients strengthen lower body muscles while standing to develop better balancing ability. Foam-filled balance pillows and inflatable rubber balance discs are placed flat on the ground. Air and foam composition create the instability that forces users to balance themselves while either standing on one or both feet. Another device, the balance board, operates differently from the other two in that instead of laying flat against the floor, the base of it is spherical. Users stand on a flat surface and balance on a board that wobbles.
Balancing While Sitting
Balancing tools for sitting may not make obvious sense but sitting upright is a balancing exercise people generally take for granted. The same tools used for balancing on foot are recommended by the ACSM for maintaining good posture in a seated position. In addition, sitting on air-filled stability balls strengthen back muscles and force the body into an upright position to prevent rolling off the ball. An alternative to a complete ball is a half ball with one air-filled side and one flat side. These can be placed inside chairs and balance is practiced sitting on the air-filled side.
Tags: training tools, air-filled side, balance board, Balancing While, lower body