American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

 Issue: March 2006

A Question of Balance
David B. Claxton, Maridy Troy, & Sarah Dupree

Abstract:
Most authorities consider balance to be a component of skill-related physical fitness. Balance, however, is directly related to health, especially for older adults. Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among the elderly. Improved balance can help reduce falls and contribute to older people remaining physically active. Balance is a multidimensional skill that involves vision, the vestibular system, proprioception, strength, and flexibility. Many of these functions deteriorate as people age. Focusing on balance training throughout life may help to improve balance, and ultimately health, in old age. For these reasons, this article addresses why balance should be added to the health-related components of physical fitness and receive additional attention in physical education classes and personal fitness programs.

Article category: Curriculum