We need healthy brain inputs and outputs in order to balance. Sensory signals from our muscles, joints, skin and gravity provide constantly updated feedback about our body’s position, which our brains cross-reference with information from our eyes and inner ears. These are rapidly interpreted (particularly in the cerebellum area) and, if necessary, our brains send new instructions to our muscles and joints, so we are constantly readjusting.
Damage or ageing changes in any of these structures can affect our stability, sitting posture, walking, and coordination, putting us at risk of falls, while motion sickness is triggered by conflicting messages from the body, eyes and ears.
Losing our balance
As we grow, we acquire good balance and ‘hardwired’ skills, such as riding a bike – they’re imprinted, so we don’t forget.…
