Optimal balance is achieved when all your systems of balance are working together. The eyes (visual), inner ear (vestibular) and sensation (kinesthetic) contain numerous sensory receptors that provide important feedback to the central nervous system (CNS) which tells the body what muscles to activate and when. Maintaining static balance as the body remains in one position is relatively easy because you can concentrate on which muscles to contract to remain stable. However, many activities of daily living happen quickly, which means you have to rely on conscious thought to control which muscles to activate.
