Balance Training for Seniors

Dr. Kevin Mercado utilizes mini step hurdles to help improve balance and coordination for many of his senior patients. Most seniors must face "The Challenges Of Aging" which includes decreased balance, coordination, proprioception, and visual acuity. The exercise strategy demonstrated in the video focuses on improving balance but more importantly hip flexion. By utilizing the mini hurdles, Dr. Mercado encourages the patients to bring the legs up as high as possible in order to utilize the muscles most important to avoid a trip over any object that may be resting on the floor. The object most notable would be a carpet or throw rug resting on the floor in the patient's home. If you watch closely you will also notice Dr. Mercado encouraging the patients to look forward and not down in order to help the patient decrease the tendency of having to rely so much on vision to walk correctly. This strategy is utilized as a result of seniors losing visual acuity as age progresses and the fact that poor lighting may be present in the home or outside. Poor lighting is a known risk factor for trip and falls in the senior population. For more information on how you can decrease your risk of falling and improve your body's natural ability to increase balance and coordination you may reach us at the office at 626. 303.1999 or visit www.drkevinmercado.com

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Science & Technology

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• Balance
• Training2