Balance boards are training devices used in physical therapy to improve balance, stability and coordination. Balance training can promote muscular stability and coordination, prevent injuries, and aid in recovery. In this article, you will learn how balance boards are effectively used for balance training in physical therapy.
What is meant by balance boards?
Balance boards are special training devices. They are designed to improve balance and stability. They are also used for proprioception training in rehabilitation. They are often used in physical therapy and sports medicine to treat injuries and improve coordination skills and muscular stability.
A balance board, or wobble board, consists of a flat platform on which you stand and a and an air-filled pad located underneath the platform. Because of the small contact area with the ground, this thus results in an unstable surface. By standing on the board and trying to maintain balance, the body is forced to tense its muscles and make coordinated movements. This can help improve proprioception, coordination, and muscular stability while training the body’s balance and stability.
How are balance boards used in rehabilitation?
Balance boards or wobble boards are used in rehabilitation in a variety of ways, depending on the specific needs of the patient. Some of the most common applications are:
- Improvement of muscular stability: Balance boards can be used to target weak muscles and force the body to use its muscles in a coordinated manner. This can help improve muscle and joint stability and prevent injuries.
- Treatment of injuries: Balance boards in rehab can be used after injuries to strengthen the affected body parts and speed up recovery.
- Improve coordination: Balance boards can help improve coordination by forcing the body to use its muscles in a coordinated and consistent manner.
- Strengthening the trunk: Wobble boards can be used to strengthen the core by forcing the body to coordinate its muscles to maintain balance.
- Improvement of proprioception: Balance boards can help improve proprioception by forcing the body to feel its position in space and the movements of its limbs.
Balance boards can also be used for specific applications such as the treatment of ankle injuries or strokes. However, the way balance boards are used always depends on the specific needs of the patient and the rehabilitation goals.
What are the benefits of balance training with a wobble board in physiotherapy?
Balance training is performed in rehabilitation for several reasons. One of the most important reasons is to improve stability and coordination. When the body’s balance system is strengthened, it can help prevent falls and injuries.
Balance training with wobble boards is thus an important part of holistic therapy in rehabilitation and can help improve the patient’s physical function and well-being.
Our TOGU experts advise:
An important tip when training with balance boards is to start slowly and increase gradually. Start with simple exercises and gradually increase the difficulty to avoid overloading and injuries. It is also important to pay attention to the correct execution of the exercises to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.