The clinical test for the sensory interaction of balance

Abstract

The balance system requires the interaction of appropriate sensory inputs, a sound processor and coordinated outputs. The human body relies primarily on three important sensory inputs, i.e. somatosensory, visual and vestibular. Not only do these inputs provide vital information as regards body orientation and position but also interact with each other so as to provide a balanced fodder for the central nervous system to process. Situations arise in clinical practice wherein patients lack one or more of these inputs, and need to excessively rely on the others for maintaining balance. Such patients may be able to ordinarily maintain their sense of balance during daily activities, and only when exposed to adverse or stressful situations, do they need to practice caution; and then, there are some who do not even have the luxury of managing their daily activities with ease. It is vital for the therapist to assess and identify the weaknesses of a patient as regards the sensory inputs and help them to capitalise on their strengths. The clinical test for the sensory integration of balance is a simple test that has been devised to easily and rapidly assess the dependence of a patient on various inputs and devise a rehabilitative strategy customized to each patient. The test also has other applications besides simply assessing balance inputs and they have been briefly described.