Improving Balance Introduction: Part One (04:19)

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Dr. Evan Osar originally wanted to train athletes and pretty women but found working with Baby Boomers more rewarding. Approximately $80 million is spent on treating older people after a fall. Participants agree to keep an open mind and empower each other.

Improving Balance Introduction: Part Two (02:36)

Fitness professionals can help prevent falls in the elderly population. Baby Boomers are the largest growing section of society and have the most money. Principles of balance therapy do not change, methods do.

Topics Covered: Balance Training (04:55)

Exercise equipment is not necessary to improve balance. Osar disagrees with training a Baby Boomer the same way one would train a child for better balance. Baby Boomers should progress onto balance training equipment, not start on it.

Topics Covered: Principles of Therapy (02:48)

Principles of balance therapy do not change, methods do. Trainers must teach clients to normalize respiration, coordinate activity between respiration and stabilization systems, and integrate functional movement patterns.

Introduction to the Baby Boomer (01:18)

Baby Boomers comprise one-third of our population and control three-quarters of our economy. By applying the principles of balance training, a trainer can reduce low back pain.

Functional Kinesiology (06:17)

Functional kinesiology comprises stabilization, centration, and dissociation. Clients with poor balance begin in a decentrated position; Osar demonstrates a strategy people employ. Pain occurs because of uncontrolled motion.

Functional Kinesiology: Balance Loss (04:17)

Instability is the primary reason people lose their balance. Other possible reasons include neurodevelopmental dysfunction and injuries. Osar discusses how eversion occurs in the foot.

Functional Kinesiology: Gluteus Medius (03:57)

The foot sends a signal to the glute muscles to function. A volunteer demonstrates squats using proper technique on a Bosu ball. If a patient exhibits poor gluteus medius control, look at core strength and the foot.

Functional Kinesiology: Flat Feet (04:50)

As people age, toes tend to curl up, making balancing more difficult. Fitness therapists need to train clients to place their foot flat on the ground. Dorsiflexion is the primary range of motion individuals lose as they age.

Multisystem Approach (03:54)

The somatosensory, visual, and vestibular systems help develop balance which degrades as people age. Use visualization to improve muscle function.

Multisystem Approach: Compensation (04:43)

The three motor responses include ankle, hip, and stepping strategies. Osar demonstrates strategies. Individuals compensate for injuries by incorporating more muscles.

Improving Function: LE Pattern (03:44)

Osar explains how a tripod configuration of the foot improves balance. Toe gripping reduces dorsiflexion; keep them flat.

Improving Function: LE Pattern—Mobilization (03:49)

Mobilization of the foot activates intrinsic muscles. Spreading out bones and muscles improves balance. Osar demonstrates exercises to improve balance.

Improving Function: LE Pattern—Squats (04:56)

Osar demonstrates proper technique for improving balance while performing squats. The exercises are best performed in bare feet so the instructor can watch to ensure the feet remain in a tripod configuration.

Improving Function: LE Pattern—Lunges (04:16)

Osar demonstrates proper technique for improving balance while performing lunges. Side lunges should have the same alignment as front lunges. Incorporate rotation when clients master squats and lunges.

Improving Balance Conclusion (02:06)

Osar reviews his talk on balance training in the older population.

Credits: Improving Balance in the Baby Boomer (00:41)

Credits: Improving Balance in the Baby Boomer