Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/RKNg9ko9630

A physical therapist observes a patient utilize the suspensory strategy to control balance. Which descriptive component of balance would be MOST impacted by the described balance strategy?

1. Line of gravity
2. Center of mass
3. Base of support
4. Limits of stability

Transcript

Welcome back to the Scorebuilders’ Question and Answer Podcast! This podcast provides members of the Scorebuilders’ team with the opportunity to explore challenging multiple-choice examination questions with students actively preparing for the licensing examination. My name is Scott Giles and I will be your host for today’s journey.

Ready? Let’s go!

A physical therapist observes a patient utilize the suspensory strategy to control balance. Which descriptive component of balance would be MOST impacted by the described balance strategy?

1. Line of gravity
2. Center of mass
3. Base of support
4. Limits of stability

Suspensory Strategy
The suspensory strategy is used to lower the center of mass during standing or ambulation in order to control balance. Examples of this strategy include knee flexion, crouching or squatting. 

Let’s explore each of the options:

Option 1 - Line of gravity 
The line of gravity refers to a vertical line through the center of 
gravity. The center of gravity refers to the vertical projection of the center of mass to the ground.

The line of gravity would not necessarily be dramatically altered using the suspensory strategy.
 
Option 2 - Center of mass 
The center of mass refers to the point that corresponds to the center of total body mass. This point is where the body is in perfect equilibrium.

The center of mass would be dramatically lowered using the suspensory strategy as the body assumes a crouching or squatting position.

Option 3 - Base of support 
The base of support is defined as the perimeter of the contact area between the body and its support surface. Foot placement is the primary determinant of base of support.

The suspensory strategy involves assuming a crouching or squatting position, however, not necessarily increasing the base of support.

Option 4 - Limits of stability
Limits of stability refer to the sway boundaries in which an individual can maintain equilibrium without changing their base of support.

Limits of stability would not be significantly altered using the suspensory strategy.

The correct answer is Option 2

Let’s explore the all student data:
6% of students selected Option 1, Line of gravity
55% of students selected Option 2, Center of mass, the correct response
18% of students selected Option 3, Base of support
21% of students selected Option 4, Limits of stability

System Classification
This question is a Neuromuscular and Nervous Systems question which represents approximately 24% of all exam items.

Content Outline Classification
This question is an Interventions question which represents approximately 29% of all exam items.

Level Classification
This question is a Level 2 question since the question requires students to integrate numerous pieces of information or to apply knowledge in a given clinical scenario. Remediation of Level 2 questions occurs by increasing flexibility with academic content and by carefully analyzing decision making processes when answering applied examination questions.

Thanks for joining us on the Scorebuilders Q and A podcast! See you next week!