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christian@orthogate.com






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I've heard that if I improve my proprioception, there's less chance I'll fall. With my bad knee osteoarthritis, falls are always on my mind. What is proprioception and how do I work on it?

Proprioception is the term used to describe an important sensory system of the body. It allows humans to detect position and position change in the limbs and joints. The body uses this information to direct how far joints move. It also directs how much force is used to accomplish each movement.

There are special receptors in the connective tissue to gather proprioceptive information. These receptors are located in the joints, ligaments, capsule, tendons, and muscles.

The information is used by the brain to tell the joint how to move with precise and coordinated motion. The data collected is also used to maintain knee joint stability when standing or when holding the joint in one position for a long time.

Proprioception can be improved. It requires a special program of small movements repeated many times. Usually a physical therapist instructs patients with osteoarthritis (or other conditions) how to do these exercises.

Proprioceptive activities can include side stepping, cross over stepping, and challenging the balance in all directions. A special platform or roller board is often used for the balance training.

For patients who can't stand up to exercise, proprioception is still important and can be improved. Foot-stepping exercises in the seated position have been shown effective for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

In a study from Taiwan, a series of four pedals on a foot board were used to move a computer mouse cursor up, down, and to both sides on the screen. A computer program controlled by the foot pedals was used to improve proprioception. It was very successful. Patients with knee OA were able to walk faster with less pain after six weeks of training.


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