Balance training can be fun! One activity we love to use with our patients is an obstacle course that we can create to address someone’s specific needs. For instance, some people have difficulty walking across their yard, on the beach, or in their garden due to the uneven or soft surfaces. We use many different pieces of equipment to assemble an obstacle course and simulate these challenging surfaces. Some of our favorites include river rocks, buttons, and hurdles.

River rocks are exactly what they sound like. They are shaped like rocks or stones of various heights. Part of the rock has a flat surface, and the other parts are slanted. Stepping on the slanted surface makes it difficult to maintain balance, so the key is stepping on the flat surface. Buttons are small circular objects that squish when stepped on, like stepping on a tuft of grass. Reacting to the change in the surface being stepped on is important to maintain balance. The hurdles challenge single-leg balance and the ability to step over objects. We have two different-sized hurdles that provide appropriate challenges to our patients.

Obstacle courses aren’t just for young ones. They are a fun and creative way for adults to work on their balance. If you feel more unsteady or off balance, call us, and one of our physical therapists at WWSPT will be happy to address your needs and build your confidence in your balance.

Dr. Karli Lynch, PT, DPT
WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation
Doylestown, PA.
(215) 489-3234