Understanding Balance in Sports Performance Enhancement
Balance - it's an essential part of your everyday life. From keeping
you upright to navigating nearly every movement your body makes, we often
take this crucial neurological function for granted.
In the world of sports performance, balance training can help push an on-the-cusp
athlete into the realm of greatness. Great balance is key for athletes,
especially those who engage in endurance activities, running, cycling
and swimming, for example.
Unbeknownst to many, there are two kinds of balance:
- Static balance
- Dynamic balance
The Differences Between Static & Dynamic Balance
Static balance refers to the body's center of gravity within its support
and postural control base. For everyone, the center of gravity is the
point around which all of your body's weight is evenly distributed.
Generally speaking, it is located about two inches anterior to the spine.
Easy enough to visualize, right? However, your center of gravity changes
as you move.
The base of support, also essential for great balance, is the equation
that makes up the surface being bearing your weight and the distance between
your body and it. So, if you stand to perform an exercise with your feet
12 inches apart, your base of support is the distance between your feet
and the floor and the area between your feet.
If you move your feet closer together, your base of support decreases and
balance becomes more difficult. Hence the reason standing on one foot
is harder than both feet planted hip-width apart.
Dynamic balance refers to the ability to move outside the body's base
of support, while still being able to maintain postural control. If you
have decreased balance ability, your body's center of gravity is restricted
and can cause falls and injury.
Adding balance exercises to your overall fitness routine, no matter your
sport, is important to increase performance and to prevent injuries.
Seek the help of a Sports Neurology expert!
As a board certified neurologist, I, Dr. Williams, have made neurology
my life's work. My passion and fascination for this field of medicine
has been beneficial to many legal professionals who have sought my help
as an expert witness for medical cases. Vernon B. Williams, MD, Inc. can
provide you with the reliable medical insight you need.
For more information about my neurology expertise and services, please
contact me
today!