Train Your Balance and Agility at Home in 2024.

 

 

An Effective Tool for Balance and Agility Training At Home.

   

Background

I recently had the pleasure of starting my own falls prevention clinic. This has provided me with more opportunity to challenge people’s balance in a safer, more controlled environment compared to the random places I’ve had to in the past. This is where these coloured discs come into play.

I won’t harp on too long here, but it’s important to consider which of our bodies input systems we use, and which strategies we autonomically deploy in order to keep us upright when our balance is perturbed (i.e – knocked off balance).

We use our visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive system for input. Feel free to Google each one for further information. If I delved into these today, I fear this article would turn into another one of my unnecessarily deep dives into sciencey stuff! I will however signpost you to looking into the different aspects of balance as a compromise, these being: static, dynamic, anticipatory and reactive.

Our bodies utilise four strategies to maintain balance, these being the ankle, hip, step and reaching strategy.

Now, improving these strategies is the real key to preventing/reducing the risk of further falls. Training these can prove to be quite a tricky thing to do safely (after all, we have to challenge balance to improve it – but challenge it too far, and we inherently fall).

Alongside the support of a sturdy table top (or in my case, a plinth), we can use these coloured markers to effectively train the strategies above at varying difficulties, scaled to a persons ability. When used correctly, they really are a very good tool for reducing falls in the elderly, which in turn reduces the risks associated with long lie’s (i.e – unable to get up themselves, and can’t get help either), hip fractures, prolonged inpatient stays that result in further deconditioning, which lead to further falls, potential traumatic brain injuries, DVT’s, amputations, strokes, permanent disability… the list goes on and on and well, hopefully you get the point.

 

Eco Walker – Spot Markers (20cm)

Believe it or not, but these are incredibly multi functional. It just takes a bit of imagination! They’re great for setting up games for the kids to play, awesome for colour and number recognition for toddlers, great for sports agility drills and markers in general. As mentioned above, I use them for a slightly different purpose though.

These are great for setting visual cues for the elderly to step to on command. As physio’s, we can leverage this to train a persons dynamic and reactive balance (the one which is most responsible for preventing falls).

I find that these are the perfect size and depth, with excellent colour and number variation to help the elderly work on their balance. The non-slip nature of the TPE material ensures safety whilst performing various drills too.

 

Delivery/Condition on Arrival

As is the case with most of my Amazon deliveries, this was flawless. I wasn’t actually in at the time, so I went on the app and asked them to drop it off with a neighbour. They arrived in pristine condition, no dramas at all.

5/5

 

Technical Specifications

Size	‎20cm
Features	‎Natural
Batteries included?	‎No
Brand	‎Eco Walker
Manufacturer	‎Tay stationery
Package Dimensions	‎20.5 x 19.9 x 2.2 cm; 500 g

 

Build Quality

They’re sturdy enough to throw in and out of my gym bag with force, slam onto the floor with a surprisingly satisfying slapping sound, and withstand the heaviest of flat footed men and women continuously stamping on them.

5/5

 

Ergonomic Rating

Yep, these get top marks from me. I can’t really explain why, they just do!

5/5

 

Adaptability

As previously mentioned, these are limited only by the restrictions of your imagination. I’m sure kids could think of endless ways to use these to achieve their main purpose in life – having fun!

5/5

 

WOW Factor

I’d say due to the variety and complementary contrast of the colours, these are pretty WOW-EY.

5/5

 

Longevity

I’ve had them six months so far, without issue. No splits, cracks or fading of the colours or number.

They do tend to easily pick up dust and muck from the floor due to their TPE non slip material. This is easily fixed by wiping them down with a wet cloth though.

5/5

 

Price

These are currently sitting at £11.99 for the set in the images above (1-5, or 6-10), or £24.99 for the full set. For what these can potentially provide in return (improved balance, reduced risk of falling if used appropriately, and plenty of hours of distraction for the kids), then that is a bargain buy from me!

5/5

 

Summary

Holy moly, this is our first ever 5/5 top marks review here on FGUK!

If you’re in the market for improving your balance, ankle stability, sports drills or you simply want to help your toddler learn colours and numbers, then these are perfect for you.

Total rating: 5/5

Should you:

• Avoid
• Consider
• Shortlist
• Buy it NOW!

Grab a set below today.

Eco Walker – Spot Markers (20cm)

Or find similar options at Amazon and check them out for yourself.