Understanding Balance

the long version

We generally take it for granted that we can stand upright and move around without much difficulty. However, when we realize that the human body, like that of any animal, is a compliant, springy structure with distributed mass, we can appreciate that the task of achieving and maintaining balance is far from simple. Understanding Balance explains in detail how an animal or a person is able to stand up and move about without falling over. A realistic assessment of the nature of the problems that arise, together with a clear explanation of the underlying principles, leads to the development of insights into the normal functioning of the mechanisms of balance and locomotion. The topics discussed in detail include: the relevant application of Newtonian mechanics, the generation and deployment of muscle force, active balance, locomotion and the nature of the signal processing operations that are carried out within the central nervous system. Illustrative examples are used throughout to highlight the mechanisms involved. This book will greatly assist teachers, practitioners and students from such disciplines as physiotherapy, rehabilitation, physiology and biomechanics in their understanding, assessment and treatment of balance problems.