Proprioceptive Deficits Research Articles

Body ownership alterations in stroke emerge from reduced proprioceptive precision and damage to the frontoparietal network.

Stroke patients often experience alterations in their subjective feeling of ownership for the affected limb, which can hinder motor function and interfere with rehabilitation. In this study, we aimed at disentangling the complex relationship between sensory impairment, body ownership (BO), and motor control in stroke patients. We recruited 20 stroke patients with unilateral upper limb sensory deficits and 35 age-matched controls. Participants performed a virtual reality reaching task with a varying displacement between their real unseen hand and a visible virtual hand. We measured reaching errors and subjective ownership ratings as indicators of hand ownership. Reaching errors were modeled using a probabilistic causal inference model, in which ownership for the virtual hand is inferred from the level of congruency between visual and proprioceptive inputs and used to weigh the amount of visual adjustment to reaching movements. Stroke patients were more likely to experience ownership over an incongruent virtual hand and integrate it into their motor plans. The model explained this tendency in terms of a decreased capability of detecting visuo-proprioceptive incongruences, proportionally to the amount of proprioceptive deficit. Lesion analysis further revealed that BO alterations, not fully explained by the proprioceptive deficit, are linked to frontoparietal network damage, suggesting a disruption in higher-level multisensory integration functions. Collectively, our results show that BO alterations in stroke patients can be quantitatively predicted and explained in a computational framework as the result of sensory loss and higher-level multisensory integration deficits. Swiss National Science Foundation (163951).

Lesión bilateral de ligamento cruzado craneal y neuropatía periférica en un canino Golden Retriever con hipotiroidismo: Reporte de caso

The case of a 6 -year -old female Golden Retriever is presented. She was limping in the left posterior limb. A 4/4 grade lameness, pain by palpating the knee, and a negative drawer test, but positive tibial compression was identified. No proprioceptive deficit or signs compatible with lesions joints in X-rays images were found. There was no response to treatment with Meloxicam and Tramadol and because a suspicion of partial rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament, the transposition of tibial tuberosity (TTT) procedure was chosen. The patient returned with lameness in the right hind limb right nine months later and after ruling out other causes of limp, the TTT was successfully performed in the affected limb. However, 18 months later he developed signs of peripheral neuropathy. Metabolic, infectious and hormonal profile analyses revealed increased serum alkaline phosphatase, decreased thyroxine (free T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values within normal ranges according to the reference laboratory. Based on the patient's history and laboratory findings, the diagnosis was hypothyroidism, and the decision was made to supplement the patient with sodium levothyroxine. Remission of the nervous symptoms was observed 45 days after treatment.

Double Cervical Adjacent Hydrated Nucleus Pulposus Extrusion (HNPE) in a Yorkshire Terrier

A 9-year-old Yorkshire terrier was brought to the emergency department for inability to maintain the correct station with acute onset. Neurological examination showed a non-ambulatory tetraparesis, spontaneous proprioceptive deficit in all limbs, and decreased flexor reflex in the forelimbs. The neurological symptoms suggested a cranial cervical spinal cord with suspicion of spinal shock. The clinical differential diagnoses included degenerative (intervertebral disc extrusion), vascular, inflammatory, or neoplastic disease. No pathological findings were evident in the hematobiochemical tests or in the radiograph examination. MRI examination of the cervical spine showed the presence of two adjacent hydrated nucleus pulposus extrusions at C3-C4 and C4-C5 tracts. Treatment included analgesic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory therapy; movement restriction was initially necessary, followed by physiotherapy. Follow-up at 4 weeks showed complete recovery. A telephone follow-up after 3 months with the owner confirmed the absence of symptoms. This article reports the first double cervical HNPE case in a dog, adding the possibility that the disease may present in this form and the success of conservative treatment as described in the literature.

How effective is proprioception exercise on pain, grip force, dexterity and proprioception of elbow joint in patients with tennis elbow? A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPatients with tennis elbow (TE) disorder suffer from proprioception deficits alongside other symptoms, which usually is neglected to be targeted in different physiotherapy protocols. This study aimed to investigate the effects of proprioception exercises on treatment outcomes. MethodsIn this RCT, 14 males and 30 females TE volunteered patients were randomly divided into two intervention (IG) and control (CG) groups, in which CG received routine physiotherapy, while IG underwent further proprioception exercises for 18 sessions within six weeks. Pain, function, grip force, dexterity, and proprioception of elbow joint were evaluated using Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation (PREE) questionnaire, handheld dynamometer, Purdue Pegboard, and isokinetic dynamometer, respectively. ResultsA significant within group improvement was observed in terms of pain (IG: 49.93%, CG: 42.75%), function (IG: 61.9%, CG: 48.95%), grip force (IG: 22.1% CG: 16.9%), dexterity (IG: 18.96% CG: 11.82%), active joint position error (IG: 32.99, CG: 7.33 %), and the threshold to detection of passive motion (TTDPM) for both groups (IG: 24.35, CG: 24.86%) in both groups after treatment as compared to before treatment (p < .0001), with no statistically significant differences between the groups for these variables except for active joint position error, which showed a significant reduction in the IG (p < .02). ConclusionIt could be concluded that proprioception exercises has a limited added value on routine physiotherapy it terms of pain, function, grip force, and dexterity. However, adding proprioception exercises found to be beneficial for improving variables determining joint position sense.

Assessing the reliability of a digital inclinometer app for measuring hip, knee, and ankle proprioception.

Proprioception can be defined as the ability of an individual to detect motion and position of the various joints in their bodies. Current tools for measuring proprioception lack consensus on their accuracy and validity; they also each have their own limitations, and, furthermore, present barriers to use for clinicians. We propose a new and reliable method for evaluating hip, knee, and ankle proprioception by utilizing a digital inclinometer app to measure joint position sense. The digital inclinometer app recorded the active joint position sense error after each of five trials for the hip and knee joint and ten trials for the ankle joint. To quantify the reliability of the digital inclinometer app, single-measurement and average-measurement intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) along with the associated 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for each joint's position sense error across trials. Both the hip (ICC (2,k) = 0.849 (95% CI = [0.783-0.897])) and knee joint (ICC (2,k) = 0.837 (95% CI = [0.750-0.897])) were found to have moderate to good reliability when the middle three of five trials were analyzed. Unlike the hip and knee, moderate to good reliability for ankle proprioception (ICC (2,k) = 0.785 (95% CI = [0.539-0.893])) was only achieved with the middle eight of ten trials. The results of this study indicate that this digital inclinometer app is able to accurately record joint position sense at the hip, knee, and ankle when the appropriate number of trials are collected; thus, allowing this tool and methodology to be considered for use in both clinical and research environments to measure proprioception, and furthermore, quantify proprioceptive deficits.

EFFECTS OF BALANCE TRAINING WITH STROBOSCOPIC GLASSES ON JOINT POSITION SENSE, POSTURAL STABILITY, AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE TESTING IN CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY NATIONAL ATHLETES: A SINGLE-BLINDED RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) significantly affects athletic performance and increases the risk of recurrent ankle sprains. Stroboscopic Glasses (SG) may enhance proprioceptive feedback and postural control. We aimed to evaluate the augmented effects of Proprioceptive Feedback Training (PFT) combined with SG in athletes with CAI. We conducted a single-blinded randomized controlled trial with participants assigned to the PFT+SG or PFT alone groups. The interventions were administered over an eight-week period. Improvements in the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Sport subscale (FAAM-S), Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) Questionnaire, Joint Position Sense (JPS) error value, postural stability via the Balance Velocity Test (BVT), Functional Performance Tests (FPTs), and giving-way episodes were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Substantial improvements in FAAM-S and IdFAI scores were observed in the PFT+SG group compared to those in the PFT group. JPS and BVT were significantly higher in the PFT+SG group than in the PFT group. FPTs and giving-way episodes were significantly higher in the PFT+SG group than in the PFT group. The inclusion of SG in PFT significantly enhanced rehabilitation outcomes in athletes with CAI. SG combined with PFT may address proprioceptive deficits and improve functional performance in patients with CAI.

Computed tomographic findings of a nasal neuroendocrine neoplasm with intracranial extension in a horse

SummaryA 20‐year‐old Irish Sport Horse gelding was presented to the Royal Veterinary College Equine Referral Hospital for investigation of left‐sided epistaxis, depression and gait abnormalities of approximately 1 month duration. Physical examination and cranial nerve evaluation were unremarkable. A small amount of haemorrhagic discharge was noted from the left nostril. Gait evaluation was suggestive of proprioceptive deficits. Computed tomography (CT) identified a mass lesion within the left conchofrontal and sphenopalatine sinuses extending through the cribriform plate into the calvarium. Histopathology of the mass revealed a neuroendocrine neoplasm, for which a diagnosis of esthesioneuroblastoma was favoured. This case highlights the usefulness of CT for the identification and extent of an intracranial mass and therefore its prognosis, however, histopathological examination was necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Proprioceptive engagement of the human cerebellum studied with 7T-fMRI

Abstract Proprioception, the process of perceiving our bodies in space, is a key aspect of self-perception. The cerebellar cortex is believed to play a critical role in proprioception. However, our understanding of the functional involvement of the cerebellum in proprioception remains limited due to the intricate, thin, and highly folded structure of the human cerebellar cortex, which is more challenging to resolve using in-vivo MRI compared to the cerebral cortex. In this study, we employed high-resolution, B1-shimmed, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 7T to investigate proprioceptive involvement of the cerebellum in humans. We used two tasks designed to differentially require proprioceptive information processing: midline-contralateral-finger-touch and simultaneous-unilateral-finger-flexing. We assessed responses to these tasks across three gradient directions inspired by the mesoscale cerebellar functional organisation, akin to laminar and columnar fMRI approaches in the cerebral cortex. Movements requiring higher proprioceptive engagement, in the midline-contralateral-finger-touch task, elicited stronger activations in both anterior and posterior lobe motor areas of the cerebellum (lobules V and VIIIa/b). We identified distinct activation patterns for the two tasks within these cerebellar motor regions, which may reflect differing functional roles of these motor areas. Midline-contralateral-finger-touch responses were found more medial than simultaneous-unilateral-finger-flexing responses in lobule V and deeper into the cerebellar fissures in lobule VIII. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of cerebellar functional organisation, the cerebellar involvement in proprioception and may offer insights into addressing proprioceptive deficits associated with neurological conditions.

Effectiveness of Non-Elastic Rigid Tape Application on Static and Dynamic Balance in Players with Chronic Inversion Ankle Sprain- A Pilot Study

Background – Chronic Repetitive Inversion Ankle Sprain is one of the common injuries that occurs in contact as well as non-contact sports especially combat and jumping sports. As this injury is directly related to the ligament, proprioceptive deficit is observed in such players. The effect of taping on functional performance is still a topic of discussion. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate whether players with chronic repetitive inversion ankle sprain have any functional deficit and whether taping with non-stretchable athletic tape improves speed and agility. Methods - Players playing contact sports between the age of 18-24 years were included in the study after the initial screening for chronic repetitive inversion ankle sprain using IdFAI index and history of their injury. Speed was assessed using 10-m Sprint test while Agility was assessed using T-test for Agility. Post-application of the tape, data was collected on three time-intervals, i.e. immediate post-application of tape, post-3 days and post-14 days of application of tape. Results - Collected data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA test and the result showed statistically non-significant results in speed and agility, i.e. p=0.954 &amp; p=0.999 respectively. These results suggest that there is statistically non-significant improvement in speed and agility post-application of the tape but comparing with the means of pre-test measures, there is an improvement in speed and agility after the application of the tape.

In Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Head Repositioning Errors Suggest Impaired Cervical Proprioception.

Background: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a rare multisystemic genetic disorder with motor hallmarks of myotonia, muscle weakness and wasting. DM1 patients have an increased risk of falling of multifactorial origin, and proprioceptive and vestibular deficits can contribute to this risk. Abnormalities of muscle spindles in DM1 have been known for years. This observational cross-sectional study was based on the hypothesis of impaired cervical proprioception caused by alterations in the neck spindles. Methods: Head position sense was measured in 16 DM1 patients and 16 age- and gender-matched controls. A head-to-target repositioning test was requested from blindfolded participants. Their head was passively rotated approximately 30° leftward or rightward and flexed or extended approximately 25°. Participants had to replicate the imposed positions. An optoelectronic system was adopted to measure the angular differences between the reproduced and the imposed positions (joint position error, JPE, °) concerning the intended (sagittal, horizontal) and unintended (including the frontal) planar projections. In DM1 patients, JPEs were correlated with clinical and balance measures. Static balance in DM1 patients was assessed through dynamic posturography. Results: The accuracy and precision of head repositioning in the intended sagittal and horizontal error components did not differ between DM1 and controls. On the contrary, DM1 patients showed unintended side-bending to the left and the right: the mean [95%CI] of frontal JPE was -1.29° [-1.99°, -0.60°] for left rotation and 0.98° [0.28°, 1.67°] for right rotation. The frontal JPE of controls did not differ significantly from 0° (left rotation: 0.17° [-0.53°, 0.87°]; right rotation: -0.22° [-0.91°, 0.48°]). Frontal JPE differed between left and right rotation trials (p < 0.001) only in DM1 patients. No correlation was found between JPEs and measures from dynamic posturography and clinical scales. Conclusions: Lateral head bending associated with head rotation may reflect a latent impairment of neck proprioception in DM1 patients.

Examination of Force Control Development in Children Born Prematurely: A Pilot Study

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 This study examines force control development in children ages 6 to 72 months, comparing children born preterm and full term. By understanding this topic more, practitioners will be better equipped to address proprioception deficits in young children. Primary Author and Speaker: Elsie Baker Additional Authors and Speakers: Virginia W. Chu, Madison K. Bollinger Contributing Authors: Nicole Botha, Megan G. Pesci, Madison Quesinberry, Marina Nguyen, Meraj Shaikh, Alyssa Tsui, Mary Alice Montgomery, Chloe Eilers, Stacey Dusing, Robert Perera, James Thomas, Olivier Rolin

Treatment of hemihydranencephaly in a cat with ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Hemihydranencephaly is extremely rare in cats. In this case report, the aim is to share data on the diagnosis and treatment of a hemihydranencephaly in a cat. This case report is for an 1 year old, 3 kg, male, Scottish fold cat. The cat was brought in by its owner with behavioural changes and decreased activity since birth. Cranial nerve examination revealed that threat reflex and lateral palpebral reflex were decreased and corneal reflex was delayed. Spinal reflex examination revealed a decreased patellar reflex and proprioceptive deficit in all extremities in the postural reaction test. As a result of the tests, a cranial lesion was suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the right cerebral hemisphere and ependyma were absent and instead were filled with fluid. In light of the findings, the patient was diagnosed with a hemihydranencephaly. Furosemide, and prednisone were used for medical treatment. However, despite a week of medical treatment, no improvement was observed. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement was preferred as the surgical method. Although all of the patient's neurological findings did not disappear in the postoperative period, they improved. A cat with haemihydraocephaly was successfully treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt for the first time.

Effectiveness of Non-Elastic Rigid Tape Application on Static and Dynamic Balance in Players with Chronic Inversion Ankle Sprain- A Pilot Study

Chronic Inversion Ankle Sprain is one of the common injuries that occurs in sports especially combat and jumping sports. As this injury is directly related to the ligament, proprioceptive deficit is observed in players with chronic inversion ankle sprain. The effect of taping on functional performance is still a topic of discussion. The need of this pilot study is to evaluate whether players with chronic inversion ankle sprain have any functional balance deficit and whether taping with non-elastic rigid tape improves static and dynamic balance. Players playing contact sports between the age of 18-24 years were included in the study after the initial screening for chronic inversion ankle sprain using a IdFAI index and history of their injury. Static balance was assessed using Sensamove Mini Balance Board and Dynamic Balance was assessed using Single Leg Hoping Course Board. Data was collected on three intervals, i.e. immediate post-application of tape, post-3 days and post-14 days of application of tape. Collected data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA test and the result showed statistically significant improvement in static and dynamic balance, i.e. p=0.048 &amp; p=0.040 respectively. These results suggest that after immediate post-application of tape and post-3 days of the application of tape there is an improvement in static and dynamic balance while no improvement post-14 days of application of non-elastic rigid tape. Non-elastic rigid tape application significantly improves static and dynamic balance in players with chronic inversion ankle sprain.

The influence of circulating cold water cryotherapy with or without intermittent pneumatic compression on shoulder joint position sense (JPS) in recreationally active adults: A randomized crossover trial

ObjectivesCryotherapy is a widely used intervention in sports settings to facilitate the return of injured athletes to competition, despite a lack of high-quality evidence. Given the possibility cryotherapy may increase the risk of injury, by reducing nerve conduction velocity, muscle force production, and proprioceptive afferent information, further research is needed to evaluate its effects on proprioception, particularly in the shoulder joint, which has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body, where there is a dearth of studies. MethodsWe conducted a pre-registered, 1:1 block randomized, baseline controlled, double blind (outcome assessor and statistician), crossover trial of cryotherapy without compression and cryotherapy with compression. ResultsAnalysis indicated there were no statistically significant changes in the accuracy of achieving the target angle because of either the cryotherapy or compression intervention. The small effect sizes observed between the groups indicate that cryotherapy is unlikely to have a clinically significant negative impact on shoulder joint position sense. ConclusionConsequently, returning athletes to the field of play after cryotherapy treatment is not expected to pose an increased risk of injury due to proprioceptive deficits. These findings align with the majority of studies investigating the effects of cryotherapy on proprioception. Impact statementThis pre-registered, randomized, crossover trial on the effects of cryotherapy on joint position sense (JPS) in physical therapy and rehabilitation provides valuable insights into a widely used treatment modality. The small effect sizes observed in our study suggest that cryotherapy is unlikely to have a clinically significant negative effect on shoulder JPS. Cryotherapy remains a viable therapeutic option, without concerns for adverse effects or further injury risk, in returning athletes to the field of play.

The relationship between sustained hamstring pain and reorganisation of somatosensory representations: a randomised, controlled study.

Recurrent hamstring injuries are highly prevalent amongst sporting populations. It has been hypothesised that pain from an initial hamstring injury may induce reorganisation of somatosensory representations that could contribute to reinjury. However, because of the cross-sectional nature of existing research, it remains unknown whether somatosensory changes are a cause or effect of pain or if they are driven by other potentially confounding factors. Here, we explored the effect of experimentally induced sustained hamstring pain on tasks that interrogate somatosensory and spatial representations. Fifty healthy participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group that performed an eccentric exercise protocol on the right hamstring to induce delayed onset muscle soreness or a control group performing a repetition-matched concentric exercise protocol. The tactile cortical representation was assessed using two-point discrimination and tactile localisation, whereas the proprioceptive representation was assessed using a left-right judgement task. Peripersonal spatial representations were assessed using an auditory localisation task. Assessments were performed at baseline and day 2. No between-group differences in tactile acuity were observed. However, improvements in left-right judgments and worsening of auditory localisation occurred in the experimental group compared with the control group. This study provides preliminary evidence showing that somatosensory changes occur in response to sustained hamstring pain. Experimentally induced, sustained hamstring pain elicited enhancements in proprioceptive processing and deficits in peripersonal spatial processing, suggesting a shift in the allocation of attentional resources from the external (peripersonal) to internal (body) environment. These findings may hold important implications for reinjury risk and rehabilitation following hamstring pain.

Impact of Glycemic Control on Shoulder Proprioception in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Mediating the Connection - Insights from a Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Shoulder proprioception is vital and this cross-sectional study investigated the association between glycemic control and shoulder joint proprioception in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). A total of 120 participants, including 60 with T2DM and 60 healthy individuals, were assessed for shoulder joint position sense (JPS) using a digital inclinometer. The T2DM group exhibited significantly greater mean shoulder joint position errors in flexion (4.32° vs 2.15°), abduction, medial rotation, and lateral rotation compared to the healthy group (p < 0.001). The study found significantly greater shoulder joint position errors in the T2DM group compared to the healthy group, highlighting notable proprioceptive deficits in individuals with T2DM. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between HbA1c levels and shoulder joint position errors in the T2DM group, suggesting a link between long-term glycemic control and proprioceptive accuracy. The significant positive correlation between HbA1c levels and shoulder joint position errors suggests that poor glycemic control is associated with impaired proprioception in T2DM patients. This underscores the need for comprehensive management strategies to mitigate proprioceptive deficits and improve the quality of life in individuals with T2DM.

Robot-aided assessment and associated brain lesions of impaired ankle proprioception in chronic stroke

BackgroundImpaired ankle proprioception strongly predicts balance dysfunction in chronic stroke. However, only sparse data on ankle position sense and no systematic data on ankle motion sense dysfunction in stroke are available. Moreover, the lesion sites underlying impaired ankle proprioception have not been comprehensively delineated. Using robotic technology, this study quantified ankle proprioceptive deficits post-stroke and determined the associated brain lesions.MethodsTwelve adults with chronic stroke and 13 neurotypical adults participated. A robot passively plantarflexed a participant’s ankle to two distinct positions or at two distinct velocities. Participants subsequently indicated which of the two movements was further/faster. Based on the stimulus-response data, psychometric just-noticeable-difference (JND) thresholds and intervals of uncertainty (IU) were derived as measures on proprioceptive bias and precision. To determine group differences, Welch’s t-test and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test were performed for the JND threshold and IU, respectively. Voxel-based lesion subtraction analysis identified the brain lesions associated with observed proprioceptive deficits in adults with stroke.Results83% of adults with stroke exhibited abnormalities in either position or motion sense, or both. JND and IU measures were significantly elevated compared to the control group (Position sense: + 77% in JND, + 148% in IU; Motion sense: +153% in JND, + 78% in IU). Adults with stroke with both impaired ankle position and motion sense had lesions in the parietal, frontal, and temporoparietal regions.ConclusionsThis is the first study to document the magnitude and frequency of ankle position and motion sense impairment in adults with chronic stroke. Proprioceptive dysfunction was characterized by elevated JND thresholds and increased uncertainty in perceiving ankle position/motion. Furthermore, the associated cortical lesions for impairment in both proprioceptive senses were largely overlapping.

Presumed intracranial and spinal subdural empyema secondary to periorbital abscesses in a golden retriever

AbstractIntracranial and spinal subdural empyema was presumptively diagnosed in a 2‐year‐old golden retriever secondary to periorbital abscesses. The patient initially presented to the referring veterinarian for right eye conjunctivitis, intermittent left head turn and reluctance to eat on the left side. The patient then suffered neck trauma from a rope, developing neck pain, left‐sided conscious proprioceptive deficits and right‐sided Horner's syndrome. Most signs resolved with medical management at the referring veterinarian, but neck pain persisted. Severe acute neurological deterioration occurred before presentation at our hospital, culminating in decerebrate rigidity and opisthotonos. Neurological exam revealed multifocal intracranial disease. Magnetic resonance imaging showed periorbital abscesses and extensive intracranial and cervical spinal subdural empyema. The owners elected for euthanasia and declined postmortem examination. Cerebrospinal fluid sampled immediately postmortem confirmed empyema. This is the first report of a presumed case of intracranial and cervical spine subdural empyema caused by periorbital abscesses in a dog.

Proprioception, Emotion and Social Responsiveness in Children with Developmental Disorders: An Exploratory Study in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy and Different Neurodevelopmental Situations.

Proprioception has long been linked with emotional dysregulation in neurotypical adults. Neuropediatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cerebral palsy (CP) are distinct entities and yet both present with deficits and challenges in sensory processing and the regulation of emotions. This study aimed to explore the relationship between proprioception and emotional-social performance in children and to compare proprioception and emotional-social performance in different underlying neurodevelopmental conditions. For this purpose, this cross-sectional study included 42 children with ASD, 34 children with CP and 50 typically developing peers. Proprioceptive acuity, proprioceptive reactive behavior as well as emotion regulation and social responsiveness were assessed. The results show a significant correlation between proprioceptive deficits and emotional difficulties in this pediatric sample, with distinct proprioceptive impairment patterns according to the underlying neurological disorder. Children with CP showed significant emotional knowledge deficits, while children with ASD predominantly showed challenges in social responsiveness. These data thus suggest a differentiated impact of proprioception on emotional-social performance in neurodevelopmental disorders and highlight proprioception as a potential therapeutic target for balancing emotion regulation in children with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Significance of Selected Posturographic Methods in Diagnosis of Balance Disorders in Patients with Early-Stage Gonarthrosis.

Degenerative joint disease is a dynamic pathological process characterised by a destabilisation of the degradation and synthesis processes of articular cartilage and subchondral bone layer. Studies suggest that individuals with gonarthrosis experience deficits in proprioception, in addition to changes within their joints, which directly affects their ability to maintain posture and increases their risk of falling. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the functional status of patients with gonarthrosis through a posturographic examination conducted on a stabilometric platform (force plate) and a functional clinical examination. Methods: Participants were divided into two groups-a control group (n = 125) and a study group (n = 125). During the qualification process, subjective and objective examinations were conducted, including a functional assessment by means of such tests as the "Up and Go" Test, Functional Reach Test, Five Time Sit to Stand Test, and the Step Test. Subsequently, an assessment was conducted on the force plate by means of a posturographic test-the Romberg test performed with open and closed eyes in a standing position-and balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale. The obtained data were analysed with the use of the IBM SPSS Statistics software version 27.0, by means of the Mann-Whitney test, and correlations were determined by means of Spearman's test. A significance level of p = 0.05 was adopted. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed among the assessed groups as a result of both functional and posturographic examinations, along with positive correlations for disease duration, age, and BMI index. Conclusions: Patients with gonarthrosis exhibited disturbances in balance, functionality, and posture compared to healthy individuals in the control group.