Gait Retraining for Balance Improvement

Abstract

Balance, although difficult to define is accepted as an integral element of human movement. Without the complex integration and control of the neuromusculoskeletal system and internal regulation consistent to the external environment, we would not be able to stand or walk. However, only recently have researchers and therapists started to question the common practice of isolated rehabilitation/exercise interventions. Emerging from this are pockets of researchers and therapists who are introducing theoretical concepts of motor learning/control into rehabilitation/exercise interventions for human movement that have previously been well demonstrated in sporting contexts. Perhaps due to the development of ecological dynamics and the constraint-led perspective, the importance of the organism, task, and environment relationship has been accepted. Instead of treating individuals uniformly, now therapists view each individual as complex organisms interacting within an environment while performing a task. This view has encouraged the concept of task (re)training, particularly gait (re)training in the attempt to efficiently improve both balance and overall human movement.