Science Education Brochure

1. Life is a Balancing Act:
What does science tell us about
falling down?
Lindsay Reustle
University of Missouri- Division of
Biological Sciences
lam8n6@mail.missouri.edu
Resources
Webpages:
-NIH: http://nihseniorhealth.gov
-Fall Prevention Center: www.stopfalls.gov
-Fear of Falling Series: www.terranova.org
Learning Yoga:
-Yoga for the Young at Heart Program
(DVD/VHS)
-Stronger Seniors Yoga Chair Exercise
Program (DVD)
Local Resource:
-Elm Street Yoga
Columbia, Missouri
573-441-8566
Disclaimer
All information presented in the Science and
Me series is for educational and resource
purposes only. It is there to help you make
informed decisions about health-related
fitness issues. It is NOT a substitute for any
advice given to you by your physician.
Always consult your physician before
beginning any exercise program.
Exercise is for EVERYONE!
As the child's song goes, we all fall down.
Reducing falls among older adults is a
critical public health priority. The good news
is that falls are often preventable. Exercise
that incorporates strength and balance
provides some protection against falls and
fall-related injuries.
This presentation explores the science behind
our sense of balance and the role of balance
training in reducing the risk of falling.
The Science & Me Series
http://scienceandme.org
University of Missouri
Office of Science Outreach
& The Division of Biological Sciences

2. What is Balance?
Balance is the ability to maintain the center
of gravity of the body with minimal postural
sway.
How does balance work?
It takes multiple body systems to maintain
balance:
 Inner Ear
 Brain
 Vision
 Muscle Coordination
The inner ear contains three fluid-filled
semi-circular canals that tell the brain about
the direction and speed of the rotation of the
head.
Our eyes send updated position information
to our brain continuously. The ability to
judge distances, or depth perception, is also
provided by our vision.
The muscles and the joints play a large role
in proprioception, the body's sense of where
it is in space.
Balance and Illness
Nearly 8 million American adults report
having a chronic problem with balance.
Balance disorders are one reason people fall.
Common causes of balance problems
include:
 BPPV (Positional Vertigo)
 Labyrinthitis (Ear inflammation)
 Medications
 Circulatory System Diseases
How can we reduce the risk of
falls?
 Medical Management
 Environmental Modifications
 Balance Training
What is balance training?
Balance training is a method of strengthening
the different body systems to reduce the risk
of falling. Low impact activity such as yoga
or tai chi can help improve balance. One
beginner's exercise is the stork pose:
 Begin by holding on to a rail or
leaning on the wall.
 Carefully bring your knee up until
your leg is at a right angle. Hold for
several seconds.
 Repeat with the other leg.
 Once you feel steady, try position
without propping on the wall.
 Always make sure a therapist or
professional is nearby when
attempting poses.
Modifications can be made for those with
chronic physical limitations. One example
of a modification is chair yoga.
If you've already experienced a fall,
understand that you are not alone! Falls
happen to young and old, rich and famous,
too. Do not let the fear of falling keep you
from moving.