12/09/2019
Hi guys,
Today I would really like to talk on very interesting observation of my runners. One of the very common finding during the routine assement of them is very poor balance on single leg while single leg stance assessment.
What wonders me is most of the runners are not aware about their balancing capabilities and it's importance while running.
running needs higher balance than walking?
As we all know, running is the series of single leg stance with absence of double leg support period which is present while walking.
While running,whole of the body's weight is on one leg for fraction of seconds with additional work of propelling the body forward against the gravity at a desired speed,with increased ground reaction forces and at larger range of motions at various joints. This places an increased demands on the balancing system of the body.
do we balance?
When you are standing on ground,a lot of information is sent to brain via sensory receptors in foot-legs, joints,muscles , ligaments,tendons, inner ears and eyes.
Its a coordinated effort between these systems in a timely efficient manner.
Running as a dynamic activity involves rapid change in different body segments with respect to each other and with respect to surroundings (eg.surface on which you are running,speed,wind,shoes etc.).
Since the amount of time spent on the ground is decreased while running, neuromuscular system (strong balancing muscles and decreased reaction time) needs to work in unison with inner ear balance system and visual input. Running requires higher level of coordinated micro-controls within these different systems of the body.
If there is there is an impaired balance while running,body will do it's best to compensate it with dysfunctional movement patterns which in long term leads to injuries.
what to do to improve the balance?
Below are the few exercises which will specifically isolate the balancing muscles while improving reaction time.
1.step ups
2.single leg drill- standing on one leg and moving the other leg in 12'O clck to 6'0 clck position.
3.standing on soft surfaces (balance boards,wobble boards, soft pillow) with eyes closed and open ,with feet together and on one leg.
4.single leg squat- this is my favorite.
5.single leg bend and reach.
6. Ball Toss- standing on one leg and throw and catch the ball ( against the wall or with partner).
a flamingo faster better βοΈ
Dr. Vidya Karad(MPTH)