Proprioceptive Exercises Research Articles

The Effects of Proprioceptive Exercises on Postural Control in Handball Players with Chronic Ankle Instability—A Non-Randomized Control Trial

Background: This paper aims to investigate the impact of proprioceptive exercises on postural control in handball players with chronic ankle instability. Methods: The research participants (n = 22) were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 11) and the control group (n = 11). Chronic ankle instability was diagnosed using the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) questionnaire, while postural control was evaluated with the Iso-Shift stabilometric platform. The intervention consisted of a 15-week proprioceptive exercise program, with sessions performed three times a week. The rehabilitation protocol was conducted at the start of each training session, immediately following the warm-up. Results: The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U tests. Both groups improved their score on the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) questionnaire (IdFAI_CG, p < 0.011; IdFAI_EG, p < 0.003) and reduced the number of ankle sprains (NS_EG, p < 0.008). Also, the experimental group had better results for the following tests: ellipse area with open eyes on the left leg (EA_I–OE_L, p < 0.009), ellipse area with closed eyes on the left leg (EA_I–CE_L, p < 0.033), anteroposterior deviation with open eyes on the left leg (APD_I–OE_L, p < 0.023), and the initial and final number of ankle sprains (NS_I, p < 0.01; NS_F, p < 0.024). Conclusions: Athletes who suffer from chronic joint instability are more likely to experience severe postural deviations than those who do not have this condition. Proprioceptive exercises had a positive impact on postural control in both groups, but the experimental group showed a greater improvement.

EFFECTIVE REHABILITATION STRATEGIES FOR MUSCLE INJURIES IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS

The rehabilitation of muscle injuries in football players is a pivotal area of sports physiotherapy, addressing the intense physical demands and high injury rates associated with the sport. Muscle injuries often arise from factors such as overload, muscle imbalances, and improper techniques, impacting athletes' performance and career longevity. To optimize recovery, evidence-based methodologies are crucial, allowing physiotherapists to create personalized rehabilitation programs tailored to the specifics of each injury. Central to effective rehabilitation is a thorough functional assessment, which identifies specific deficits in players. Techniques such as electrotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound are effective in accelerating healing and reducing pain, while functional taping provides support without restricting movement. Neuromuscular rehabilitation is equally vital, incorporating proprioceptive exercises to enhance stability and prevent future injuries. The multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between physiotherapists, medical professionals, nutritionists, and coaches, ensures comprehensive care for athletes. Psychological support also plays a key role in addressing anxiety and fostering a positive mindset during recovery. Recent studies underscore the importance of accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plans, utilizing frameworks like the PRICE principle and specific rehabilitation protocols that facilitate faster and safer returns to play. The literature indicates a gap in understanding among team managers regarding the role of sports physiotherapy, highlighting the pressure players face to return prematurely, which increases the risk of re-injury. In summary, successful rehabilitation of muscle injuries in football necessitates a comprehensive, personalized approach that integrates physical, nutritional, and psychological elements. As research continues to evolve, these strategies will enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, ensuring football players can recover fully and maintain optimal performance levels.

An online workshop to raise awareness of pelvic floor in track and field female athletes: a quasi-experimental study.

Track and field is a high-impact sport that may facilitate pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) of females. Although increasing the information may reduce deleterious habits, the traditional workshops to date did not motivate and engage the female athletes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an online educational workshop about pelvic floor awareness on knowledge and habits of track and field female athletes. A total of 49 track and field athletes participated in this quasi-experimental study: 38 attended an educational workshop and 11 did not. The workshop included innovative resources, such as 3D anatomic models, practical proprioceptive exercises guided by physiotherapists, and an anonymous questions and answers section. Before and 1month later, all the athletes fulfilled an anonymous questionnaire to assess their knowledge about urinary incontinence (UI), ano-rectal incontinence (ARI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD), as well as toileting and sports habits. After attending the workshop, athletes obtained higher scores in knowledge about ARI (p = 0.019), POP (p < 0.001), and FSD (p = 0.018) compared to baseline and athletes who did not attend it. No improvements were observed in habits and knowledge about UI (p > 0.05). The athletes who reached 70% of correct responses about POP had greater number of healthy habits than the rest of the athletes. An innovative educational workshop about pelvic floor increases knowledge of track and field female athletes but is insufficient to modify their habits. Sports and health professionals should design educational strategies to manage the most unknown topics about pelvic floor care, considering that the proposed methodology and innovative resources are effective to increase knowledge.

Rebuilding Stability: Exploring the Best Rehabilitation Methods for Chronic Ankle Instability.

Background: Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is a common condition characterized by repeated episodes of ankle "giving way" and impaired balance, leading to functional limitations. Various rehabilitation techniques, including balance training, proprioceptive exercises, whole-body vibration (WBV), and novel approaches like stroboscopic vision, are used to address these deficits. This review evaluates the effectiveness of different rehabilitation interventions for CAI management. Methods: A review was conducted by analyzing 11 randomized controlled trials that investigated the impact of balance and proprioceptive training programs on CAI. The primary outcomes assessed were the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the risk of bias was evaluated with the ROB 2 tool. Results: All rehabilitation interventions demonstrated significant improvements in SEBT, CAIT, and FAAM scores. However, no single intervention was found to be consistently superior. Traditional balance training, strength exercises, BAPS, and WBV all provided meaningful functional gains. Stroboscopic vision training showed similar effectiveness compared to conventional approaches. The evidence supports a combination of balance and strength training for optimal recovery. Conclusions: Balance and proprioceptive exercises are effective in managing CAI, with improvements in both dynamic stability and subjective outcomes. No intervention stands out as the best, but personalized programs incorporating various methods are recommended. Future research should explore the long-term effects and potential synergies of combined interventions.

Impact of Proprioceptive Exercises on Pain, Balance, and Fall Risk in the Elderly With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Osteoarthritis (OA), especially in the hips and knees, significantly impairs function and independence in older adults. Proprioceptive exercises have emerged as a beneficial intervention for managing knee OA. These exercises, which enhance proprioceptive feedback from mechanoreceptors in joints, muscles, tendons, and skin, are crucial for improving motor control and balance and have shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms despite limited evidence. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of proprioceptive exercises compared to conventional exercises in managing pain, balance, and fall risk among the elderly with knee OA. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 54 elderly with knee OA. Participants were randomly assigned to either a proprioceptive exercise group (n=27) or a conventional exercise group (n=27). Outcome measures included pain (visual analog scale), balance (Berg balance scale), and fall risk (falls efficacy scale - international), which were assessed at three time points: baseline, six weeks, and eight weeks post-intervention. Both groups showed improvements in pain, balance, and fall risk (p<0.005). However, the proprioceptive exercise group exhibited significantly greater improvements in all outcome measures compared to the conventional exercise group (p<0.005). Proprioceptive exercises demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing pain, enhancing balance, and mitigating fall risk in the elderly with knee OA. These findings suggest that proprioceptive exercises should be considered as a valuable component of comprehensive rehabilitation programs for this population.

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.

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercise on Flexibility and Strength of Stroke Patients

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercise on Flexibility and Strength of Stroke Patients

Electronic Method (Pro-Kin) for Improving And Speeding up The Recovery after Ankle Sprain.

Ankle sprains, very common injuries occurred especially during sports activities, are mainly caused by indirect trauma, which influences exaggerated stress exceeding the strength of stabilization mechanisms. Up to 85% of such injuries result from a sudden flexion and inversion of the foot. In this study, we analyzed the effectiveness of the platform Pro-kin, an innovative system that has given us the possibility to combine the functionality of the older proprioceptive boards with very accurate software in order to improve and accelerate the recovery after ankle injuries. 30 patients with moderate ankle sprain outcomes in two groups (A and B) were included in this study. Group A was only treated with proprioceptive exercises for 3 weeks, while the group B was trained with the innovative Pro-kin. In both groups, we evaluated VAS scale, the ratio between the number of circumductions performed by the injured foot and the time spent on doing them and the percentage of load among the injured and the healthy foot in statics and dynamics with electronic baropodometry. Our data has been collected at t0 (beginning of study), t1(one week later), t2 (two weeks later), t3 (one month later), t4 (two months later), and then analyzed by the two-way analysis of variance (2-way ANOVA) test. At t0 no statistical differences of pain in the 2 groups (3.3 and 3.4); the values were similar, as well as at time t1, t2, t3 and t4. Therefore we deduce that Pro-kin treatment is not painful. The number of circumductions performed was definitely better in B group since the first week; for the A group the values considerably increased only at t3 (one month later). Comparing the load percentages on two feet detected by the electronic baropodometer in statics and in dynamics, we deduced that the patients of A group tend to lean mostly on the healthy foot than B group. This study demonstrates that new technological resources (such as Pro-kin) may be helpful to improve and speed up the recovery of ankle sprain in athletes.

The effect of proprioceptive vestibular rehabilitation on sensory-motor symptoms and quality of life.

Peripheral vestibular hypofunction (PVH) is characterized by balance and gait disorders and vestibulo-autonomic findings. The vestibular system and proprioceptive system work together to regulate sensorimotor functions. Vestibular exercises are effective in PVH, but their superiority over each other is still unclear. This study aims to examine the effect of proprioceptive vestibular exercises on patients with PVH. 30 individuals with unilateral PVH were assigned to 3 groups. Group 1 received proprioceptive vestibular rehabilitation, group 2 received standard vestibular rehabilitation. Both groups were given standard vestibular exercises as home exercises. No exercise was applied to the group 3. Patients were evaluated in terms of balance, functional mobility, posture, sensory profile, and quality of life. Although there was a significant intra-group difference in balance, functional mobility, and quality of life results in all groups (p < 0.05), the difference between groups was generally in favor of group 1 (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in the posture analysis results (p < 0.05), while there was a significant difference in the 1st group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in the results of sensory sensitivity, sensory avoidance, and low recording (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in sensory-seeking results (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in quality of life between and within groups (p < 0.05). Proprioceptive vestibular rehabilitation is an effective method in PVH. We think that our study will guide clinicians and contribute to the literature. NCT04687371.

Comparative Impact of Core Stabilization vs Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises on Muscle Activation, Endurance, and Balance in Obese Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of core stabilization exercise (CSE) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercise on core muscle activation, core muscle endurance, proprioception, and balance in 80 obese children. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this single-blind, randomized controlled study, 80 obese children aged 10-13 years were randomly divided into 3 groups. The first group received CSE (n=27) and the second group received PNF exercises (n=27) 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The third group, which was the control group (n=26), received no treatment. Participants were evaluated before treatment (BT) and after treatment (AT) and at follow-up (3 months after treatment). Core muscle activation level was evaluated by Sahrmann Core Stability test (SCST), lumbar core muscle endurance was evaluated by McGill core endurance tests, and lumbar joint position sense (JPS) was evaluated by laser cursor. The single-leg standing balance test (SLSBT) and Y balance test (YBT) were used for static and dynamic balance, respectively. RESULTS AT and at follow-up, core activation, core endurance, JPS, and static balance were significantly different between the groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in YBT dominant and non-dominant side mixed reach distances (P>0.05). Clinical effect sizes were higher in the CSE group for all outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS CSE and PNF exercises improve the level of core muscle activation, lumbar core muscle endurance, lumbar JPS, and balance in obese children. However, the results of this study show that CSE are more clinically effective in obese children. The effects decline in the medium term.

Effects of tDCS Associated with Proprioceptive Exercises on Postural Control in Individuals with Total Blindness

Effects of tDCS Associated with Proprioceptive Exercises on Postural Control in Individuals with Total Blindness

Is Proprioceptive Training Effective During the Acute Rehabilitation Period of Danis-Weber Type B Ankle Fractures?

Backgrounds. Ankle fractures of Danis-Weber type B represent common lower limb injuries. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of standard physical therapy and proprioception training during the acute rehabilitation period.Materials and methods. The study group comprised 38 patients with Danis-Weber type B ankle fractures during the acute rehabilitation period in 2022-2023. All patients underwent surgery and were randomized into: Group I (18 patients), who received a rehabilitation program that included standard physiotherapy and proprioceptive exercises, and Group II (20 patients), who received a rehabilitation program of standard physiotherapy only.Results. Before the start of rehabilitation, AOFAS scores were 33.910.4 in Group I and 21.38.9 in Group II. At the end of the study, scores were 67.626.1 and 38.57.8, respectively. In contrast, the FADI scores were almost identical at beginning (11.62.4 vs. 11.452.4). At the end of the study, there was a small but significant improvement in Group II, with scores of 37.05.4 compared to 32.55.4 in Group I. The barotensometric indicators at the beginning of the intervention were not significantly different between the groups.Conclusions. 1. Incorporating proprioception stimulation training during the acute rehabilitation period may offer some advantages in enhancing ankle and foot function following a Danis-Weber type B ankle fracture. 2. It may be beneficial to perform prolonged monitoring to develop an evidence-based approach to rehabilitation strategy after ankle fractures.

Acute effects of different types of stretching exercises on explosive power: A pilot study

Athletes usually use warm-up and stretching exercises before starting a vigorous physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the positive and negative effects of different stretching and flexing exercises on kicking acceleration performance in taekwondo. A total of 12 elite taekwondo athletes (7 boys and 5 girls) with an average age of 20.75±1.48 years, an average height of 171±10.06 cm, an average body weight of 61.8±11 kg, and an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 21.1±2.5 kg/m2 participated in this study. For the kick acceleration test (KAT), an accelerometer was used by attaching it to the ankle of the participants with the help of a smart phone and a smart watch. For KAT measurements, static stretching exercise (SSE), dynamic stretching exercise (DSE), proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise (PNFE) and ballistic stretching exercise (BSE) methods were applied on different days during the warm-up phase. In this study with elite level Taekwondo athletes, significant differences were found between palding chagi and dollyo-chagi kick acceleration values after SSE and PNFE applications (p

Does Proprioception-Based Rehabilitation Enhance Functional Outcome in Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Prospective Randomised Study.

Rehabilitation after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) often includes proprioceptive exercises to prevent falls, but studies on proprioceptive training have yielded conflicting findings. This study aims to explore impact of proprioceptive training on functional performance after TKA. Eighty patients who underwent unilateral TKA were randomly assigned to a proprioceptive exercise (PE) group or a routine exercises (RE) group. The PE group received proprioceptive exercises in addition to routine physiotherapy. Osteoarthritis Research Society Internal (OARSI) recommended tests and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were used to assess performance and outcome at 3 and 6months. In the 30-s chair sits test, the PE group outperformed the RE group at 3months (13.69 vs. 9.17) and 6months (21.07 vs. 18.63) (p < 0.001 and p = 0.030). Stair climbing favoured PE group at 3months (8.86 vs. 16.66, p = 0.037) and 6months (0.556 vs. 1.133, p = 0.001). At 6months in the 40-m fast-paced walk test, the PE group had a significantly shorter time (0.308min vs. 0.557min, p < 0.001). Timed up and go test at 6months favoured PE group (0.204min vs. 0.377min). In the 6-min walk test, the PE group covered significantly greater distances than the RE group at 3months (589.59 vs. 346.53m, p < 0.001) and 6months (649.60 vs. 448.32m, p < 0.001). OKS at 3months was 38 ± 2.0 for PE group and 38 ± 4 for RE group (p = 1). OKS at 6months was 42 ± 4 for PE group and 40 ± 2 for RE group (p = 0.94). This study highlights the importance of proprioception-based rehabilitation in improving functional performance for TKA patients, surpassing traditional rehabilitation programmes.

Efficacy of scapulothoracic exercises on proprioception and postural stability in cranio-cervico-mandibular malalignment: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Cranio-cervico-mandibular (CCM) malalignment is associated with forward head posture (FHP) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and affects masticatory muscles. This randomized, double-blind controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of scapula-thoracic (ST) exercises on temporomandibular and cervical joint position sense and postural stability in individuals with CCM malalignment. Fourty-nine participants with CCM malalignment were randomly assigned to the ST exercise group (STEG, n= 24) or the control group (CG, n= 25). STEG included progressive strengthening, proprioceptive, and stabilization exercises. All participants were assessed before treatment, at the end of the 8th week treatment period and at the 12th week post-treatment follow-up. Cranio-vertebral angle measurement, Fonseca's Questionnaire, Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index, TMJ position test, cervical joint position error test and postural stability assessment were used. The TMJ and cervical joint position sense, total sway degree, area gap percentage, sway velocity and antero-posterior body sway results showed significant improvement in the STEG compared to the CG (p< 0.05), however medio-lateral body sway did not differ between groups (p> 0.05). Postural stability, TMJ and cervical joint position sense appear to be affected in individuals with CCM malalignment. Our results showed that an exercise program including ST stabilization, proprioception and strengthening of the scapular muscles may be effective in the management of CCM malalignment and will allow clinicians to plan holistic treatment.

Effects of proprioceptive training on sports performance: a systematic review

BackgroundProprioception, the ability to sense the body’s position and movement, is essential for athletic performance and physical well-being. The literature highlights the importance of proprioceptive training in rehabilitation, sports performance, injury prevention, and motor function enhancement. Targeted training programs can improve balance, coordination, motor learning, and overall physical performance. This systematic review aimed to examine the effects of proprioceptive training methods on sports and athletic performance.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, and a literature review was performed based on the PICO criteria outlined in the abstract and title.ResultsFollowing the search, 178 articles were identified using relevant keywords, of which 19 directly addressed sports performance and were included in this study. The findings revealed that proprioceptive training had a positive influence on various aspects of athletic performance, including physiological capacity, balance, explosive strength, speed, agility, postural stability, knee joint position sense, muscle activation, reduction of chronic joint instability, dribbling, passing, and technical ball-control skills.ConclusionsThese results indicate that proprioceptive training can be an effective strategy for experts and coaches to enhance athletes’ physical performance. Primarily, proprioceptive exercises should be used inside and outside the training sessions to enable athletes to interact more effectively with their bodies, reduce the risk of injury, and improve power transfer.

A Preliminary Study on the Effects of 4-Week Training Program with Interactive Floor Support on Plantar Pressure Distribution in Sedentary Individuals

Objective: Our purpose was to investigate on the effects of foot exercises by using interactive floor support as a modality of rehabilitation technology on plantar pressure distribution in sedentary individuals. Methods: Participants who were aged between 18-35, who agreed to participate voluntarily and had no pathology developed in the lower extremities in the past 6 months were included in this study. In order to determine the plantar pressure distribution change of all participants, the first and last evaluation was measured with Emed® Pedobarography. Balance and proprioception exercises on both lower extremities for 12 sessions (for four weeks, three sessions per week, lasts 15 minutes each) were performed with an interactive floor device. Results: A total of 15 healthy and sedentary subjects (12 female, 3 male, with a mean of 20,27±0,961 years and 21,31 ± 3,027 kg/m2 BMI) completed the four-week training protocol. Maximum force of total and hindfoot in both feet significantly decreased after 4-week training (p.05). Conclusion: Based on our results, the present study revealed that the 4-week training programme with interactive floor support for ankle joint could decrease maximum force of total and hindfoot on the bottom of the dominant and non-dominant side feet in healthy and sedentary individuals. Future investigation should be conducted to clarify the effects of long-term training programs with interactive floor support on plantar pressure distribution in patients with foot deformities.

Effective of Core Muscles Exercises and Proprioceptive Exercises on Balance and Functional Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy- A Comparative Study

Effective of Core Muscles Exercises and Proprioceptive Exercises on Balance and Functional Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy- A Comparative Study

Restoring stability and proprioception: the use of postural re-education and proprioceptive exercises for chronic ankle instability in athletes

Restoring stability and proprioception: the use of postural re-education and proprioceptive exercises for chronic ankle instability in athletes

The effects of two different exercise protocols in patients with good controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: proprioceptive exercise vs resistive exercise

The effects of two different exercise protocols in patients with good controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus: proprioceptive exercise vs resistive exercise