Strength, balance and gait

People's ability to carry out their daily activities and live an independent life depends very much on their capacity to move around safely and effectively. The level of mobility is determined by the strength of your muscles and flexibility of joints. This, in turn, influences the way you walk (your gait) and balance.

Every movement we make - turning our head, lifting the tea mug from the table to our mouth, getting out of the chair, and walking across the room - is a result of the integrated action of muscles making appropriate movements at the joints. Muscles are also responsible for our posture and provide support for our bones and joints. Even when sitting or standing still, they are continuously making fine adjustments to hold the body in a stable position. That's why there is always a slight sway of the body, although we may not be aware of it.