What does "impaired balance" refer to in physical therapy?

Impaired balance refers specifically to the difficulty in maintaining the body’s center of gravity, both when stationary and during movement. In physical therapy, balance is a crucial component of functional mobility and everyday activities. When an individual has impaired balance, they may struggle to keep themselves upright, may sway excessively, or may fall easily. This impairment can significantly affect a person's ability to perform daily tasks and participate in activities safely.

Focusing on maintaining stability and body alignment is essential for rehabilitation, as improving balance can lead to increased confidence and reduced risk of injury. Interventions aimed at enhancing balance often involve exercises that challenge a person’s proprioception, strength, and coordination, which are all vital for safe movement.

The other options do not accurately encompass the concept of balance. Difficulty with fine motor skills pertains more to dexterity and hand-eye coordination rather than overall body stability. Excessive coordination may indicate overactivity rather than balance issues. Strength deficits might affect balance indirectly but are not the defining characteristic of impaired balance itself.