Balance and coordination exercises

How does it work?

Balance exercises are one of four types of exercises, along with strength, aerobic and flexibility exercises. Coordination is the ability to choose the right muscle at the right time with the right intensity to achieve the right action.

Coordinated movement is characterized by appropriate speed, distance, direction, time and muscle tension.

Good balance and coordination are important for many activities that people perform every day, such as walking, dressing clothes, reaching up or down the cupboards, climbing and down the stairs.  Exercises that improve balance and coordination can help prevent falls, a common problem in many populations, e.g:

• Older people;
• Nervous muscle conditions (multiple sclerosis, parkinsonism, stroke);
• Cancer rehabilitation;
• Amputation;
• Those who are overweight because weight is not always carried or distributed evenly throughout the body;
• Back pain (balance training is one of the best ways to strengthen the core and prevent back pain);

It is preferable for older people and those at risk of falling to do balance training 3 or more days a week.

What are the main benefits?

Balance and coordination training is undertaken to:

• Prevent falls / injuries;
• Improve the posture;
• Improving strength;
• Improving balance and motor activity in the elderly;
• Improving dynamic torso control, seated and upright balance, mobility in people after stroke;
• Strengthening self-efficiency in balance control, which leads to improved self-effectiveness associated with falls, reduced fear of falling, increased walking rate and improved physical function;

OKTO recommends

Older people and those at risk of falling to do balance training 3 or more days a week. The balance and coordination program will take into account the individual needs of each participant to achieve the optimal effect. All aspects such as age, current level of training, condition, etc. will be taken into account. The degree of difficulty will be dosed individually.