Balance, Gait, and Vestibular Management

Learning Objectives

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system and its role in postural control and functional performance.
• Explain the integration of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems in maintaining balance during functional activities.
• Select and administer standardized balance assessment tools including the Berg Balance Scale, BESS, mCTSIB, and Mini-BESTest.
• Differentiate between normal and pathological gait patterns and identify common gait deviations affecting functional mobility.
• Administer and interpret gait assessment tools including TUG, 10MWT, DGI, and Functional Gait Assessment.
• Describe the diagnosis and repositioning maneuvers for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
• Distinguish between central and peripheral vestibular disorders and their clinical presentations.
• Design evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation programs incorporating habituation, adaptation, and substitution exercises.
• Implement progressive balance training interventions based on current evidence and clinical practice guidelines.
• Integrate fall risk assessment findings into comprehensive prevention strategies across healthcare settings.