Proprioceptive Training Program Research Articles

The effect of 8-weeks proprioceptive exercise program in postural sway and isokinetic strength of ankle sprains of Tunisian athletes

ObjectiveOur objective is to investigate the effects of proprioceptive exercises rehabilitation on isokinetic strength and postural balance in athletes with sprain ankle. Materials and methodsThe ankles of 16 subjects were tested: eight in the functional instability (FI) group and eight non-injured (NI) subjects in the control group. Subjects were asked to take part in a testing session. The test order for the postural stability and isokinetic strength tests was randomized to avoid learning or fatigue effects. The testing session started with a 5-minute warm-up. Subjects were then instructed to perform several lower body flexibility exercises. The test procedure consisted in static assessments, where single-limb (right and left) stance postural stability was assessed. Three practice trials were allowed for each subject. The assessment quantifies postural sway velocity while the athlete stands calmly on one foot on the force plate, for each leg. They were asked to stand as still as possible for 30s, upper limbs along the body. The subjects were requested to maintain balance with eyes open and then with the eyes closed on the firm surface. The sway velocity (in degrees per second) is given for all trials. Subjects were allowed a 1-minute rest between tests. The regime of isokinetic evaluation of dorsi-plantar flexions is concentric, with three successive speeds: slow (30°/s, reps 5), average (60°/s, reps 10), and fast (120°/s, reps 15), according to the protocol established by European Group for the development and the isokinetic research and the procedural guidelines. Relative moment of strength and times of acceleration and deceleration were calculated for each set of isokinetic testing repetitions per body side, muscle group and testing speed. ResultsThe results of tests–retest and between both groups (injured vs. healthy) show that after eight weeks of proprioceptive work, significant increase of maximal strength, decrease in times of acceleration and deceleration at the level of plantar flexors and better stability of the injured limb at slow and average (P<0.05). For the healthy limb, improvements varying from 1 to 39% were obtained between test and retest on all the variables. However, these variations were not statistically significant. ConclusionProprioceptive training exercises can effectively stabilize an unstable ankle above for muscular and postural control. However, 8 weeks does not assess whether we have achieved maximum effect. In addition, we do not know to what extent these effects will continue over time. It would be interesting to later re-evaluate the athletes for the effect of this treatment, which is based on a proprioceptive training program on a year or more.

Efeitos do exercício na redução do risco de quedas em mulheres idosas com osteoporose

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de um programa de treinamento de força muscular progressiva e sensório-motor, no equilíbrio e na redução do risco de quedas em mulheres com osteoporose. MÉTODO: Foram selecionadas 82 mulheres sedentárias com idade entre 60 e 75 anos com osteoporose, randomizadas em dois grupos: grupo intervenção, composto por 41 pacientes submetidas a 18 semanas de treinamento de força muscular progressiva do quadríceps (a 50%, 60%, 70% até 80% de 1-RM - uma repetição máxima), e de propriocepção, associado ao tratamento clínico medicamentoso para osteoporose; e grupo controle, também composto por 41 pacientes que receberam apenas o tratamento clínico medicamentoso. O equilíbrio e o risco de quedas foram avaliados por meio da Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (BBS) e do cálculo do Índice de Quedas (IQ). O número de quedas foi avaliado seis meses antes do início da pesquisa e nos seis meses seguintes. RESULTADOS: 69 pacientes concluíram a pesquisa. O programa promoveu melhora no equilíbrio funcional (p&lt;0,001) demonstrado pela BBS, redução do risco de quedas calculado pelo escore geral do IQ (p&lt;0,004) e ainda uma redução do número total de quedas, que no grupo experimental foram significativamente menores que no grupo controle (p&lt;0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A associação do treinamento de força progressiva para quadríceps e propriocepção é eficaz na prevenção de quedas e redução de seus fatores de risco, e o modelo para previsão quantitativa do risco de quedas pode ser útil na identificação do risco de quedas em pessoas idosas. Registro ensaio clínico: 082213- ANZCTR.

Effects of 12-Week Proprioception Training Program on Postural Stability, Gait, and Balance in Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 12-week-specific proprioceptive training program on postural stability, gait, balance, and fall prevention in adults older than 65 years. The present study was a controlled clinical trial. Forty-four community dwelling elderly subjects (61-90 years; mean age, 78.07 ± 5.7 years) divided into experimental (n = 20) and control (n = 24) groups. The participants performed the Berg balance test before and after the training program, and we assessed participants' gait, balance, and the risk of falling, using the Tinetti scale. Medial-lateral plane and anterior-posterior plane displacements of the center of pressure, Sway area, length and speed, and the Romberg quotient about surface, speed, and distance were calculated in static posturography analysis (EPS pressure platform) under 2 conditions: eyes open and eyes closed. After a first clinical evaluation, patients were submitted to 12 weeks proprioception training program, 2 sessions of 50 minutes every week. This program includes 6 exercises with the BOSU and Swiss ball as unstable training tools that were designed to program proprioceptive training. The training program improved postural balance of older adults in mediolateral plane with eyes open (p < 0.05) and anterior-posterior plane with eyes closed (p < 0.01). Significant improvements were observed in Romberg quotient about surface (p < 0.05) and speed (p < 0.01) but not about distance (p > 0.05). After proprioception training, gait (Tinetti), and balance (Berg) test scores improved 14.66% and 11.47% respectively. These results show that 12 weeks proprioception training program in older adults is effective in postural stability, static, and dynamic balance and could lead to an improvement in gait and balance capacity, and to a decrease in the risk of falling in adults aged 65 years and older.

Effects of Proprioceptive Training Program on Core Stability and Center of Gravity Control in Sprinters

The purpose of this study was to determinate the effect of a 6-week specific-sprinter proprioceptive training program on core stability and gravity center control in sprinters. Thirty-three athletes (age = 21.82 ± 4.84 years, height = 1.76 ± 0.07 m, weight = 67.82 ± 08.04 kg, body mass index = 21.89 ± 2.37 kg · m(-2)) from sprint disciplines were divided into a control (n = 17) and experimental (n = 16) groups. A 30-minute proprioceptive training program was included in the experimental group training sessions, and it was performed for 6 weeks, 3 times each week. This program included 5 exercises with the BOSU and Swiss ball as unstable training tools that were designed to reproduce different moments of the technique of a sprint race. Stability with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed, postural stability, and gravity center control were assessed before and after the training program. Analyses of covariance (α = 0.05) revealed significant differences in stability in the medial-lateral plane with EO, gravity center control in the right direction and gravity center control in the back direction after the exercise intervention in the experimental athletes. Nevertheless, no other significant differences were demonstrated. A sprinter-specific proprioceptive training program provided postural stability with EO and gravity center control measures improvements, although it is not clear if the effect of training would transfer to the general population.

Efeito de quatro semanas de treinamento proprioceptivo no equilíbrio postural de idosos

INTRODUÇÃO: Com o aumento da idade cronológica, o corpo humano passa por um período de transformações que geram declínio de algumas capacidades físicas. Um dos principais fatores que limitam a vida do idoso hoje é a alteração no equilíbrio postural. Diante do exposto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar o efeito de quatro semanas de treinamento proprioceptivo nas medidas do equilíbrio postural de idosos a fim de determinar a efetividade de uma estratégia simples de intervenção. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo nove idosos, de ambos os gêneros, cadastrados na Unidade de Atenção ao Idoso da cidade de Uberaba, MG, Brasil, com média de idade de 72,87 (± 5,38) anos, os quais foram submetidos a um treinamento proprioceptivo que consistiu em treino de marcha em pista com aproximadamente oito metros, composta por quatro tipos de solo com dificuldades progressivas. A frequência de treinamento foi de duas vezes por semana, com duração de 20 minutos por sessão, durante quatro semanas. RESULTADOS: Após quatro semanas de treinamento, houve diminuição significativa nas oscilações durante a realização do Romberg com olhos abertos em solo estável (p = 0,001), com olhos fechados em solo estável (p = 0,02) e com olhos fechados em solo instável (p = 0,002); evolução no escore da escala de equilíbrio de Berg (p = 0,001) e um aumento na velocidade da marcha na pista (p = 0,00001). CONCLUSÃO: A partir dos resultados encontrados, concluiu-se que o treinamento proprioceptivo proposto foi eficaz para o equilíbrio postural de idosos.

ACL Injury Prevention in the Athlete

This paper is a descriptive manuscript focused on describing the issue of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the athlete and the efficacy of implementing a neuromuscular and proprioceptive sports specific training program to reduce the incidence of ACL ligamentous injuries. This article will discuss the anatomic role of the ACL, epidemiology, etiology, and the four categorical risk factors for incurring an ACL injury: anatomical, environmental, hormonal, and biomechanical. In addition, this article will discuss the mechanism of injury of ACL injuries as well as a comprehensive review of all of the literature that has been published with regard to the prevention or reduction of ACL injury. Utilizing a neuromuscular training program may have a direct benefit in decreasing the number of ACL ligament injuries in athletes.

Potential Savings of a Program to Prevent Ankle Sprain Recurrence

Background The most common ankle injury is the lateral ankle sprain. Dutch annual sports-related ankle sprain costs can roughly be estimated at 187,200,000. Research has shown that proprioceptive training accounts for an approximated overall 50% reduction in ankle sprain recurrence rate. Hypothesis An unsupervised proprioceptive training program to reduce the recurrence of lateral ankle sprains will reduce overall health care costs. Design Cohort study (economic analysis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods The study included 522 male and female athletes: 256 athletes (120 female and 136 male) in the intervention group, and 266 athletes (128 female and 138 male) in the control group. Both groups received treatment according to usual care. Athletes allocated to the intervention group received an 8-week proprioceptive training program in addition to usual care. Costs per athlete and costs per injured athlete were calculated. Costs related to ankle sprain recurrences were measured from a societal perspective using cost diaries. Bootstrapping was used to analyze the cost-effectiveness data. Follow-up was 1 year. Results Mean total costs in the intervention group were 81 (standard deviation, 134) per athlete and 114 (325) per injured athlete. Mean overall costs in the control group were 149 (836) per athlete and 447 (1403) per injured athlete. Statistically significant differences in total costs were found per athlete (mean difference, —69; 95% confidence interval, -200 to -2) and per injured athlete (-332; -741 to -62) in favor of the intervention group. A cost-effectiveness plane showed the effect of the intervention was larger and the costs were lower in the intervention group than the control group. Conclusion The use of a proprioceptive training program after usual care of an ankle sprain is cost-effective for the prevention of ankle sprain recurrences in comparison with usual care alone. In the Netherlands, an estimated annual 35.9 million in medical and lost productivity costs can be saved solely by advocating a proprioceptive training program as in the present study.

Influência do Treinamento Proprioceptivo Sobre o Equilíbrio Postural e Qualidade de Vida: Relato de Caso

In Brazil today, we are faced with increasing population of elderly. This increase is accompanied by changes of the natural process of aging that predispose to reduced capacity of discrimination somatic sensorial. This bias leads to a greater tendency to instability of balance. This can cause problems such as falls, reducing the functional independence and quality of life of the elderly. This case report is proposed to verify the influence of a program of twelve weeks of proprioceptive training on postural balance and quality of life of an elderly person, by the Berg Balance Scale and the SF-36, respectively. It was through the scales of assessment, the proprioceptive training program applied promoted changes in patterns of balance and quality of life of an elderly person.

A Soccer-Specific Balance Training Program for Hamstring Muscle and Patellar and Achilles Tendon Injuries

Background A soccer-specific balance training has been shown to decrease injury incidence of the anterior cruciate ligament and ankle sprains in randomized controlled trials. However, hamstring injuries and tendinopathy remain significant issues in soccer. Hypothesis Proprioceptive training can reduce the incidence of hamstring muscle injuries and tendinopathy in elite soccer. There is a dose-effect relationship between balance training duration and injury incidence. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Twenty-four elite female soccer players (body mass index, 21.7 ± 1.2; age, 21 ± 4 years) of a German premier league soccer team were prospectively included. Starting in January 2004, an additional soccer-specific proprioceptive multistation training was initiated over 3 years. Injury data/1000 hours of exposure with documentation of all occurred injuries, detailed training, and match exposure data as well as time loss data were 100% complete. Results At the end of the 3-year proprioceptive balance training intervention, noncontact hamstring injury rates were reduced from 22.4 to 8.2/1000 hours (P = .021), patellar tendinopathy from 3.0 to 1.0/1000 hours (P = .022), and Achilles tendinopathy from 1.5 to 0.0/1000 hours (P = .035). There was no effect of balance training on contact injuries. Mean time loss of all assessed injuries significantly decreased from 14.4 days during the control period to 1.5 days during intervention periods (P = .003). The more minutes of balance training performed, the lower the rate of overall injuries (r = −0.185, P = .001), hamstring injuries (r = −0.267, P = .003), patellar tendinopathy (r = −0.398, P = .02), and gastrocnemius strains (r = −0.342, P = .002). Conclusion Soccer-specific balance training (protective balancing) can reduce noncontact hamstring injuries and patellar and Achilles tendinopathy. A dose-effect relationship between duration of balance training and injury incidence is evident. A proprioceptive training program reduced the rehabilitation time in noncontact injuries, which warrants further investigation.

Progressive load training for the quadriceps muscle associated with proprioception exercises for the prevention of falls in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial

This study aims to evaluate the effect of 18-week progressive muscular strength and proprioception training program on the muscle strength of the quadriceps, in prevention of falls in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The incidence of falls in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.263, 95% CI 0.10-0.68). This study aims to evaluate the effect of a progressive muscular strength and proprioception training program on the muscle strength of the quadriceps, balance, quality of life, and reduction in the risk of falls in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. One hundred sedentary postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, ages ranging from 55 to 75, were selected and randomized into two groups: the intervention group comprised of 50 patients who underwent a 18-week of progressive load training for the quadriceps muscle (50% up to 80% of 1-RM-one maximum repetition) and proprioception training associated to a drug treatment of osteoporosis and the control group that included 50 patients who only underwent a drug treatment of osteoporosis. The muscular strength, balance, functional mobility, and quality of life were evaluated in the beginning and end of the research. The number of falls was evaluated 24 weeks post-treatment. Eighty-five patients concluded the research. The program promoted a significant difference among the groups for SF-36 in the eight sub-scales (p <or= 0.0018), Timed Up & Go Test (p < 0.0001), 1-RM test (p < 0.0001), Berg Balance Scale (p < 0.0001) and also a decrease in the number of falls in the intervention group compared to control (IRR = 0.263, 95% CI 0.10-0.68, p = 0.0064). The association of progressive strength training for the quadriceps and the proprioceptive training is effective for the prevention of falls, increasing the muscle power, the static and dynamic balance and increasing the speed of the motor responses, therefore improving the performance of daily activities.

Play at Your Own Risk: Sport, the Injury Epidemic, and ACL Injury Prevention in Female Athletes

This article focuses on describing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in athletes and the efficacy of implementing a neuromuscular and proprioceptive sports-specific training program to reduce the incidence of ACL ligament injuries. This article will discuss the role of the ACL, epidemiology and etiology, and the four categorical risk factors for incurring an ACL injury: anatomical, environmental, hormonal, and biomechanical. In addition, this article will discuss the mechanisms ACL injuries, as well as a comprehensive review of all of the literature that has been published with regard to the prevention or reduction of ACL injury. The article concludes that a neuromuscular training program might have a direct benefit in decreasing the number of ACL injuries in athletes.

Effect of unsupervised home based proprioceptive training on recurrences of ankle sprain: randomised controlled trial

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of an unsupervised proprioceptive training programme on recurrences of ankle sprain after usual care in athletes who had sustained an acute sports related injury to...

Proprioceptive training reduces the risk of ankle sprain recurrence in athletes

Does a home-based proprioceptive exercise program reduce the one-year incidence of recurrent lateral ankle sprain in athletes? Randomised controlled trial. Participants were recruited through primary care clinics as well as through advertisements in magazines, on the internet, and at sports tournaments in The Netherlands. 522 athletes aged 12–70 years with a lateral ankle sprain in the preceding 2 months were allocated to one of two groups, using concealed allocation. The groups were comparable at baseline with respect to age, sex, hours of sports exposure, and history of ankle sprains. Athletes in both groups were free to seek and use any treatment they chose for their original ankle sprain. When any such interventions were complete and the athlete had returned to sport, only the intervention group additionally received an 8-week, unsupervised home-based proprioceptive training program, designed by physiotherapists. The program consisted of 3 sessions per week of up to 30 minutes each. An instructional DVD, exercise sheets, balance board, and web-based resources were provided to the intervention group. Exercises were gradually increased in difficulty and training load during the 8-week program. The primary outcome was incidence of ankle sprain in the 1-year follow-up period, reported monthly on a web-based questionnaire. Reported ankle injury data were rated by a blinded assessor as acute ankle sprains or other ankle injuries. Participants who reported an ankle injury also completed a cost diary to record costs of healthcare and lost productivity until recovery. 86% of participants were followed up at 12 months. 33% of athletes in the control group reported an ankle sprain during follow-up, compared with 22% in the intervention group, which is an absolute risk reduction of 12% (95% CI 4 to 19) and number needed to treat of 9 (95% CI 26 to 5). Ankle sprains were further classified as those leading to loss of sports time, and those leading to costs of healthcare or lost productivity. Regardless of the classification used, significant reductions in the risk of ankle sprain were still evident after adjustment for age, type of sport, and level of sport. A home-based proprioceptive training program for athletes reduces the risk of ankle re-sprain in the following year, particularly for those who do not seek other treatment.

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Prevent Noncontact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Female Collegiate Soccer Players

Background Neuromuscular and proprioceptive training programs can decrease noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries; however, they may be difficult to implement within an entire team or the community at large. Hypothesis A simple on-field alternative warm-up program can reduce noncontact ACL injuries. Study Design Randomized controlled trial (clustered); Level of evidence, 1. Methods Participating National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women's soccer teams were assigned randomly to intervention or control groups. Intervention teams were asked to perform the program 3 times per week during the fall 2002 season. All teams reported athletes’ participation in games and practices and any knee injuries. Injury rates were calculated based on athlete exposures, expressed as rate per 1000 athlete exposures. A z statistic was used for rate ratio comparisons. Results Sixty-one teams with 1435 athletes completed the study (852 control athletes; 583 intervention). The overall anterior cruciate ligament injury rate among intervention athletes was 1.7 times less than in control athletes (0.199 vs 0.340; P = .198; 41 % decrease). Noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury rate among intervention athletes was 3.3 times less than in control athletes (0.057 vs 0.189; P = .066; 70% decrease). No anterior cruciate ligament injuries occurred among intervention athletes during practice versus 6 among control athletes (P = .014). Game-related noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury rates in intervention athletes were reduced by more than half (0.233 vs 0.564; P = .218). Intervention athletes with a history of anterior cruciate ligament injury were significantly less likely to suffer another anterior cruciate ligament injury compared with control athletes with a similar history (P = .046 for noncontact injuries). Conclusion This program, which focuses on neuromuscular control, appears to reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in collegiate female soccer players, especially those with a history of anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 2BFit study: is an unsupervised proprioceptive balance board training programme, given in addition to usual care, effective in preventing ankle sprain recurrences? Design of a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundThere is strong evidence that athletes have a twofold risk for re-injury after a previous ankle sprain, especially during the first year post-injury. These ankle sprain recurrences could result in disability and lead to chronic pain or instability in 20 to 50% of these cases. When looking at the high rate of ankle sprain recurrences and the associated chronic results, ankle sprain recurrence prevention is important.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a proprioceptive balance board training programme on ankle sprain recurrences, that was applied to individual athletes after rehabilitation and treatment by usual care.Methods/DesignThis study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with a follow-up of one year. Healthy individuals between 12 and 70 years of age, who were actively participating in sports and who had sustained a lateral ankle sprain up to two months prior to inclusion, were eligible for inclusion in the study. The intervention programme was compared to usual care. The intervention programme consisted of an eight-week proprioceptive training, which started after finishing usual care and from the moment that sports participation was again possible. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and every month for 12 months. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of recurrent ankle injuries in both groups within one year after the initial sprain. Secondary outcomes were severity and etiology of re-injury and medical care. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated from a societal perspective. A process evaluation was conducted for the intervention programme.DiscussionThe 2BFit trial is the first randomized controlled trial to study the effect of a non-supervised home-based proprioceptive balance board training programme in addition to usual care, on the recurrence of ankle sprains in sports. Results of this study could possibly lead to changes in practical guidelines on the treatment of ankle sprains. Results will become available in 2009.Trial registrationISTRCN34177180.

Effect of proprioception training on knee joint position sense in female team handball players

Background:A number of studies have shown that proprioception training can reduce the risk of injuries in pivoting sports, but the mechanism is not clearly understood.Aim:To determine the contributing effects of...

Efectos de un entrenamiento propioceptivo sobre la extremidad inferior en jóvenes deportistas jugadores de voleibol

IntroductionWe performed a 6-month longitudinal study, using a test-retest method, in a single group to evaluate the effectiveness of a proprioceptive program to prevent lower limb injuries in young athletes. MethodsThe study sample consisted of 28 high-level volleyball players of both sexes aged between 15 and 18 years old. Data were gathered during the first trimester (without intervention) and in the following trimester (with training). The proprioceptive training program was based on locomotive system rebalance therapy. Pain was measured weekly with a visual analog scale and the occurrence of lower limb injury was measured during the study period and in the same time period in the previous year. ResultsDuring the training period, there was a significant reduction each week in ankle pain in both sexes, as well as a significant reduction in knee pain in girls but not in boys. There was also a tendency to a reduction in lower limb injuries, especially ankle injuries, in both sexes. ConclusionThe training method decreased the occurrence and intensity of knee pain in girls, and showed a tendency to improve knee pain in boys. The method reduced the occurrence and intensity of ankle pain in both sexes and showed a tendency to reduce lower limb injuries, especially those of the ankle.

Cross-training effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise programme on knee musculature

Objectives To examine the cross-training effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation training (PNF) program on peak torque and endurance. Design Factorial design. Participants Twenty-three males were assigned to a PNF group ( n=12) or a control group ( n=11). Interventions The PNF program included training of the knee extensor and flexor muscles for a period of 8 weeks, exercising three times a week. PNF training included performance of knee movements through range of motion against manual resistance. Main outcome measures Isokinetic torque and fatigue of the knee flexors and extensors at 60, 180 and 300° s −1 were assessed prior to and immediately after the training period. Results Analysis of variance designs indicated that the PNF group demonstrated significant gains (9.9%) in knee extension torque of the contralateral leg. In contrast, no cross-training effects on peak flexion torque was observed. Conclusions Cross-training effects after PNF exercise were restricted to the knee extensor muscles. Such effects may be important when the aim of a rehabilitation program is to improve the knee extensor muscle function of an immobilized contralateral leg.

Verletzungsproblematik im Frauensport unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Frauenhandballs

Summary This paper sets a focus on injuries in female handball and other team sports. According to the genetic basis and different effects of sex hormones, male and female athletes differ in some relevant anatomical and physiological aspects with a high impact for injuries. Different studies could demonstrate a higher risk for ACL injuries in female compared to male athletes. In handball, a fivefold higher risk for an ACL rupture could be demonstrated in female compared to male players. This is also true for younger players. Neuromuscular differences are discussed as possible mechanisms for gender-depending risks. Movement patterns while jumping and landing seem to have a high impact for the injury risk in team sports. Data on the injury risk during the menstrual cycle are conflicting. Some dependency, however, seems to exist. A possible mechanism might be a cycle-dependent reduction of the stability of the ACL. Studies on the preventive effects of oral contraceptive pills are also conflicting, not allowing any evidence-based recommendations. From a preventive point of view, some sports-specific movement patterns might be changed, like one- or two-leg landing in handball, width of feet position or ancle of knee flexion while landing, etc. Muscular dysbalances should be reduced, muscular strength in the tigh muscles increased, and proprioception and coordination optimized. A Norwegian group could demonstrate in an interventional study that a proprioceptive training program could reduce the risk for ACL injuries in female handball players dramatically.

Velocity discrimination: Reliability and construct validity in older adults

The aim of this study was to determine whether a test of velocity discrimination is a reliable and valid measure of proprioception in healthy older adults. Results revealed excellent test–retest reliability over a 2-week period. Velocity discrimination also indicated good construct validity with modest correlations with center of pressure sway outcomes in eyes open and closed conditions as well as stair climbing time. Good construct validity was identified by velocity discrimination sensitivity to age with a higher mean value for the older participants than for the younger participants. These findings suggest velocity discrimination is a valid and reliable measure of velocity sense, which may be included with measures of position and movement sense to enhance the proprioceptive testing repertoire among researchers. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of evaluation of proprioceptive training programs aimed to enhance postural control.