Balance and Coordination

Balance is when your body is able to share an even distribution of weight and energy all throughout the body to be able to properly work on both static (i.e. sitting upright) and dynamic (i.e. walking, running) activities. Coordination is the effective, simultaneous functioning of the brain and the body.

Does your child trip most of the time? Do you think he/she bumps into things more often? And does he/she hold the pencil in an awkward manner?

If you said “YES” to these questions, there is a huge possibility that he/she has developmental issues with balance and coordination.

Delays on balance and coordination can occur early on in life and result to a child not being able to catch a ball, hold an object (i.e. pencil, scissor) properly and firmly, and walk rightly as well.

Chances are, he or she will be exhausted out from exerting too much energy in carrying out daily tasks (i.e. writing). Others could be covered in bruises from tripping and bumping into things.

But did you know that the ear is largely responsible for balance and coordination?

Yes, that’s right! Remarkably, a part of the inner ear, that is, the vestibular nerve is responsible for balance, motor skills, and coordination. This nerve is responsible for relaying information to several parts of the brain and the rest of the body.

Immaturity or imbalance of the vestibular nerves can affect your overall functionality. Hence, it is very important to resolve issues with balance and coordination to improve one’s quality of life.

If there are any problems within the physiological systems, then the disorder arises. Here are some of the risk factors that could increase a child’s or adult’s chance of having balance and coordination issues:

1. Chronic ear infections
2. Head trauma / Brain injury
3. Imbalance between the 2 (two) vestibular systems: The two ears are not working in sync that could lead to clumsiness, dizziness, lack of sense of body in space, and difficulties between left and right (sense of direction).
4. Medications: All medications have side effects. Dizziness and balance problems are among the many.
5. Nervous and circulatory system dysfunctions

Aging also increases the risks of having balance problems due to deterioration of overall strength and endurance.

1. Dizziness/ vertigo
2. Blurred vision
3. Confusion / disorientation
4. Falling/ feeling as if you are falling
5. Lightheadedness / floating sensation
6. Blurred vision
7. Nausea
8. Heart rate problems
9. Fear
10. Panic
11. Vomiting
12. Anxiety
13. Confusion

The above types may also be caused by another underlying concern. Usually, if these symptoms persist, you must consult your GP. Otherwise, these problems can lead to fatigue, depression, and other severe medical conditions.

Here are some of the most common difficulties for people with balance and coordination problems:

1. Less physically skillful
2. Easily falling
3. Floppy muscle tone
4. Delay in achieving developmental milestones (i.e. crawling, walking)
5. Trouble with directions and location
6. Fearful of new physical games
7. Poor Pencil grasp/ control
8. Difficulties in doing daily tasks such as grooming, getting dressed, bathing, using cutlery
9. Easily tired / Low physical endurance
10. Difficulties in planning, sequencing, and organising

The above signs may also be caused by another underlying concern. Usually, if these symptoms persist, you must consult your GP. Otherwise, these problems can lead to fatigue, depression, and other severe medical conditions.