What is balance?

Balance is a term frequently used by health professionals working in a wide variety of clinical specialities. There is no universally accepted definit ion of human balance, or related terms. This article identifies mechanical definitions of balance and introduces clinical definitions of balance and p ostural control. Postural control is defined as the act of maintaining, ach ieving or restoring a slate of balance during any posture or activity. Post ural control strategies may be either predictive or reactive, and may invol ve either a fixed-support or a change-in-support response. Clinical tests o f balance assess different components of balance ability. Health profession als should select clinical assessments based on a sound knowledge and under standing of the classification of balance and postural control strategies.