Because Vew-Do Balance Boards have the unique ability to destabilize the rider in all three planes of motion and they do it at such a high level of performance, they are the most logical choice for and type of balance training.

When the three human balance systems are working properly, they detect perturbations and other unbalanced threats by sending signals to the brain for use in corrective action to restore balance. From a static upright position like a soldier standing at attention, there are three main balance strategies we employ to regain equilibrium. They are the ankle strategy, the hip strategy and the step strategy. Let's take a look at each one…

Ankle Strategy - Think of the human body as an inverted pyramid with the ankles as the focal point of support. During a mild balance threat, internal and external somatosensory input recruits the ankles to correct and maintain balance. The ankle strategy is a somewhat sub-conscious and an ongoing static response for maintaining and recovering balance.

Hip Strategy - When greater forces act on the body and increase the intensity of a balance threat, the body will step up its defenses to remain or recover balance using the hip strategy. The ankle strategy still plays a role, but now, the body adds segmentation of the upper and lower limbs, contraction of the upper body muscles and movement in the hips to recover balance. The hip strategy accompanies an increase in speed of movement to regain equilibrium.

Step Strategy - When violent disruption of balance over-powers the ankle and hip strategies, the step strategy is called upon as a last resort. In the step strategy, the balance system sends signals to indicate the need to re-position our base of support. We do this by stepping forward, backward or laterally until an acceptable base of support is achieved. Many times the ankle and hip strategies are also recruited to gain total stability.

By: Rick Contrata