Blindness and Balance

[Guest guest]

How much does being blind / vision impaired affect balance? Is it possible

to improve much? I cant stand on one leg for more then a couple of seconds

usually.... I really want to improve my balance but dont know how muc hi

will be able to if i am a vision impairement?

ty

Belinda

[Guest guest]

Hi Bel,

How are your ears? Specifically the semi-circular canals? The semi-circular

canals contribute to being able to balance.

From what I have heard, apparently three things are vitally important for

balance. They are the vision, the balance center in the ear, and the nerves in

the feet and legs. I've been told that while having all three of these

components intact is the best, any two of these components can help alot.

One possible approach to improving balance could be taking a class like t'ai

chi. Many, many people report substantial improvements in balance after taking

this kind of course.

Mom to Kendra, and Camille

Blindness and Balance

How much does being blind / vision impaired affect balance? Is it possible

to improve much? I cant stand on one leg for more then a couple of seconds

usually.... I really want to improve my balance but dont know how muc hi

will be able to if i am a vision impairement?

ty

Belinda

[Guest guest]

Hi Bel,

I second all that-and 's balance improved as she went through weekly

physical

therapy for over-all strength training. (not balance centered training.)

Using a stair-

stepper looked helpful to me as I watched the sessions. You can do that

with regular

stairs, standing on the floor and using the first step.

Start with right foot, step up on the stair, bring left foot alongside. Put

right foot down, then left follows. Then switch. The next time in series,

start with left

foot. Whichever foot you put up first, also steps down first. That looked

to be important.

Try keeping back straight, head looking forward. Although the railing is

there for balance,

if you don't need it, don't use it, and definitely don't use it to pull

yourself up-gotta use the

muscles. Maintaining good form is important-speed is not.

When Di tried tai chi, she had to keep a chair in front of her to help her

catch her balance.

Have fun with it.

;-)

in Ma.

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