Proprioception

WHAT IS PROPRIOCEPTION?

Proprioception is taken from the Latin word "proprius" meaning "one’s own". It is the name given to the unconscious awareness or perception of the location of the body in relation to where it is and what it is doing.

Sometimes propriorception is known as the “sixth sense”. It can be demonstrated by trying to touch the nose with the eyes closed. An inability to perform the same movement when intoxicated by alcohol illustrates the effect of when this sense is temporarily hindered. Any permanent impairment of this sense it is known as ‘Proprioceptive Dysfunction’.

EFFECTS OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE DYSFUNCTION

Proprioceptive Dysfunction can display itself in a variety of ways. Someone with the condition may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty formulating the necessary movements to execute a particular action. For example, in order to pick up a cup, you need to locate both the hand with which you want to pick up the cup and the cup itself, Then before moving your hand to the cup and gripping it you also need to move your hand in the direction that you want to move the cup.
• Difficulty planning or carrying out tasks. For example, a lack of proprioception may mean that a person is unable to complete the task as they cannot direct their limbs to make the movements. There is therefore a break in the flow of information and movement.
• Difficulty finding the right level for movement. For example, when trying to write, a person may find themselves pushing too hard with a pencil and breaking it or when picking something up they may not grip it tightly enough and therefore drop it.
• Difficulty finding the right level for speech. For example, a person’s speech may sometimes become too loud for their environment and situation.
• Difficulty maintaining ’postural stability’. For example, as person may find that they need to support their head on their hand or be unable to stand on one foot or maintain balance and therefore be liable to falling over.

Without a basic sense of proprioception many everyday actions can become frustrating and emotionally draining for a person and the impairment can have a considerable impact on their lives. For children especially, they may become either aggressive or withdrawn through frustration and low self-esteem if they feel isolated.

CAUSES OF PROPRIOCEPTION DYSFUNCTION

Our sense of ourselves and our location is based on a combination of information received from five different parts of our body to determine our overall position.

This information includes that from our inner ears to our brains regarding our balance and the speed and acceleration of any movement we make and information from our senses of sight, smell, hearing and touch.

An impairment of any of these five sources of information can affect a person’s proprioception and thereby place a greater strain on their other senses, additionally decreasing the efficiency of any second sense.

CAN THE CONDITION BE HELPED?

If you, or someone you know, experiences any of the above symptoms and are concerned about it then it may be worthwhile seeing an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. Additionally there are also a variety of exercises that can be given in order to help improve and develop proprioception.

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Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.