Proprioceptive Sense Research Articles

Does Acute Fatigue Affect Lumbar Proprioception and Balance?

Purpose: To investigate the acute effects of trunk extensor, abdominal, and calf muscle fatigue on lumbar proprioception and balance. Method: Seventy healthy individuals, aged between 18-25, without pain in the low back and lower extremities, with right dominant lower extremities, were included in the study. Dynamic balance with the Y-balance Test, lumbar proprioception sense with the application of the IOS software, and fatigue level with the 6-20 Borg Scale were evaluated before and immediately after the back extensor, abdominal, and calf muscle fatigue protocols were applied to the individuals at 72-hour intervals. Results: After all fatigue protocols, proprioception sense at 30˚ lumbar flexion was found to change significantly (pConclusionsThis study determined that acute fatigue negatively affects proprioceptive sense and dynamic postural control in the anterior direction. Understanding how the trunk extensor, abdominal, and ankle plantar flexor muscles respond to a fatigue-inducing exercise, especially concerning postural control and trunk proprioception, is important for understanding and preventing injury risk.

The Effect of Exercise Using Functional Movement Screen on Proprioceptive Sensation and Flexibility

The Effect of Exercise Using Functional Movement Screen on Proprioceptive Sensation and Flexibility

Effects of the Presence Rate of the Palmaris Longus Tendon on Wrist Proprioception and Grip Strength.

The palmaris longus muscle displays a great variation in terms of incidence and shape. This study has documented the incidence ratio of this muscle among the students at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Faculty of Medicine, and has revealed the effects of its presence on wrist proprioception and grip strength. A total of 101 students between the ages of 18 and 25 were included in the study. Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and dominant upper extremity of the individuals were recorded. After the presence of palmaris longus tendon (PLT) was determined by using the Schaeffer's test, wrist proprioception was evaluated by using a digital inclinometer, and grip strength was evaluated by using a hand dynamometer. PLT absence rates were evaluated separately as right and left, and it was found as 16.8% and 17.8%. No correlation was found between the dominant upper extremity and BMI and the presence of PLT. The presence or absence of PLT has no effect on grip strength and wrist proprioception. Conclusion: PLT is used in many clinical areas, such as reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, graft applications, tendon repairs, ptosis correction operations, and ligament stabilization. We thinkthere will be no significant loss in the sense of proprioception and grip strength in the absence of PLT.

Machine-Learning Assisted Electronic Skins Capable of Proprioception and Exteroception in Soft Robotics.

Inspired by natural biological systems, soft robots have recently been developed, showing tremendous potential in real-world applications because of their intrinsic softness and deformability. The confluence of electronic skins and machine learning is extensively studied to create effective biomimetic robotic systems. Based on a differential piezoelectric matrix, this study presents a shape-sensing electronic skin (SSES) that can recognize surface conformations with minimal interference from pressing, stretching, or other surrounding stimuli. It is then integrated with soft robots to reconstruct their shape during movement, serving as a proprioceptive sense. Additionally, the robot can utilize machine learning to identify various terrains, demonstrating exteroception and pointing toward more advanced autonomous robots capable of performing real-world tasks in challenging environments.

Comparison of affected lumbar proprioception due to different injuries with healthy controls: An observational study

BackgroundThere is limited evidence about spinal proprioception deficiency due to different injuries. ObjectiveTo compare spinal proprioception in patients with Lumbal Spinal Stenosis (LSS) and healthy controls. Secondary objective is to investigate the effect of pain intensity and Thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) flexibility on spinal proprioception deficiency. DesignCross-sectional and healthy controlled study. SettingThis study was conducted in a state hospital. MethodsNinety participants (mean age: 46.98 ± 12.94 years) were grouped as: Healthy control (n = 30) (Group I), chronic low back pain due to LSS (n = 30) (Group II) and undergoing surgery due to LSS (n = 30) (Group III). Lumbar repositioning error (RE) was defined as reproducing a target position (neutral lumbo-pelvic posture) after tasks. Tasks were: 30° forward bending and 15° backward bending in sitting and standing. Primary outcome measuresRE, pain intensity and TLF flexibility were assesed with iphone tilt-meter app, VAS and goniometric platform, respectively. ParticipantsSixty patients with LSS and 30 healthy controls. ResultsRE scores of Group II and Group III were significantly higher than Group I (p < 0.001). Group III had lower VAS scores (p < 0.001) than Group II, except during standing with backward bending task. TLF flexibility was not differed between Group II and Group III (p˃0.05). There was no significant association between VAS and RE scores in Group II and Group III (p˃0.05). ConclussionIndividuals with LSS and healthy controls have different lumbar proprioception sense. TLF flexibility did not differ, due to different injury, in patients with LSS compared to healthy controls.

Muscle strength, balance and upper extremity function are not predictors of cervical proprioception in healthy young subjects

Purpose/Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between cervical proprioception sense and balance, hand grip strength, cervical region muscle strength and upper extremity functionality in healthy young subjects. Methods: A total of 200 people with a mean age of 20.8 ± 1.8 participated in the study. Cervical proprioception sense of the participants was evaluated with Cervical Joint Position Error Test (CJPET), balance with Biodex Stability System, hand grip strength with hand dynamometer, and upper extremity functionality with Perdue Pegboard test. The relationship of variables with cervical proprioception was evaluated with Pearson Correlation analysis. Results: According to this study results, there was no significant relationship between CJPET (extension, left rotation, right rotation) and sub-parameters of dynamic balance (anteroposterior, mediolateral, overall), cervical muscle strength and hand grip strength (p > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between CJPET flexion and static balance variables (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to this study, there is no relationship between cervical proprioception and balance, hand grip muscle strength, cervical region muscle strength and upper extremity functionality in healthy young subjects.

Decrease in current perception thresholds of A-beta fibers by subthreshold noise stimulation using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Developing effective supplements and rehabilitation of the impaired tactile and proprioception sensation is a significant challenge. One potential method for improving these sensations in clinical practice is using stochastic resonance with white noise. While transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a simple method, the effect of subthreshold noise stimulation via TENS on sensory nerve thresholds is currently unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether subthreshold TENS can alter afferent nerve thresholds. The electric current perception thresholds (CPT) of A-beta, A-delta, and C fibers were assessed in 21 healthy volunteers during both subthreshold TENS and control conditions. Subthreshold TENS was found to have lower CPT values compared to the control condition for A-beta fibers. No significant differences were observed between subthreshold TENS and control for A-delta and C fibers. Our findings indicated that subthreshold TENS might selectively enhance the function of A-beta fibers.

Molecular characterization of the intact mouse muscle spindle using a multi-omics approach.

The proprioceptive system is essential for the control of coordinated movement, posture, and skeletal integrity. The sense of proprioception is produced in the brain using peripheral sensory input from receptors such as the muscle spindle, which detects changes in the length of skeletal muscles. Despite its importance, the molecular composition of the muscle spindle is largely unknown. In this study, we generated comprehensive transcriptomic and proteomic datasets of the entire muscle spindle isolated from the murine deep masseter muscle. We then associated differentially expressed genes with the various tissues composing the spindle using bioinformatic analysis. Immunostaining verified these predictions, thus establishing new markers for the different spindle tissues. Utilizing these markers, we identified the differentiation stages the spindle capsule cells undergo during development. Together, these findings provide comprehensive molecular characterization of the intact spindle as well as new tools to study its development and function in health and disease.

Is shoulder joint position sense affected in partial and full-thickness supraspinatus tears?

Neuromuscular control is important for joint stabilization. Supraspinatus muscle plays an essential role in the perception of proprioceptive sense. The aim of this study is to investigate active joint position sense (AJPS) both in patients with partial and full-thickness supraspinatus tears and in healthy participants. Twenty patients with partial supraspinatus tears, 20 patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears, and 20 healthy participants, aged 40-65years, were included in the study. Proprioceptive sense was assessed with AJPS measurement. Absolute error was calculated to evaluate joint position sense. Active joint position sense was decreased in partial and full-thickness tears on both in affected and contralateral shoulders compared to control group (p < 0.05). There was no difference between groups with partial and full-thickness tears on the affected and contralateral shoulders at 40° and 100° elevation (p > 0.05). AJPS was affected after supraspinatus injury. It was seen as proprioceptive deficit in patients with partial and full-thickness tears in both affected and contralateral shoulders.

Investigation of Proprioception and Kinesthesia Sensations in the Upper Extremities of Children with Childhood Cancer

Investigation of Proprioception and Kinesthesia Sensations in the Upper Extremities of Children with Childhood Cancer

Effects of unilateral neck muscle vibration on standing postural orientation and spatial perception in healthy subjects based on stimulus duration and simultaneous stimulation of trunk muscles.

Neck muscle vibration (NMV) influences proprioceptive sensations and modulates standing postural orientation and spatial perception. However, the effects of NMV in healthy participants would vary based on the influence of stimulus duration and combination with trunk muscle vibration. Therefore, this study with a cross-over design clarified these effects. Twenty-four healthy participants (mean age, 25.7±3.7 years) were enrolled. To assess standing postural orientation, standing center-of-pressure (COP) measurements were recorded on a COP platform, starting with closed eyes and then with open eyes. The mean mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) position [mm] of COP and other parameters were calculated. To assess spatial perception, subjective straight ahead (SSA) measurements were recorded, wherein participants were instructed to point and project the position of the manubrium of sternum on the touch panel using their right index finger with their eyes closed. Measurements were taken before and after four conditions: no vibration (control), left NMV for 30 s, left NMV for 10 min, and left NMV and left lumbar back vibration for 10 min. Vibratory stimulation was performed with the eyes closed at 80 Hz. The measurements under the four conditions were conducted with random cross-over and 5-min resting period between the conditions. COP and SSA values were subtracted before and after each condition for standardized variation and compared. NMV combined with trunk muscle vibration for 10 min resulted in significant deviations of the ML-COP toward the stimulation side and AP-COP toward the anterior side compared to the control condition with closed eyes. SSA showed no significant differences. These findings suggest that NMV-induced nervous system modulation would be amplified by proprioceptive sensory input to trunk muscles. Therefore, this method could provide a new option for clinical trials on postural orientation using NMV. SSA based on proprioceptive sensation may not be biased without visual illusions.

Does idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome deteriorate proprioception of the hand? A case-control study.

This study aims to investigate the deterioration in kinesthetic kinesthesia (KKS) and visual kinesthesia (VKS) of the hand as a component of proprioception in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study included a total of 90 hands of 60 patients (9 males, 51 females; mean age: 47.6±9.4 years; range, 28 to 60 years) who were diagnosed with CTS and 25 hands of 25 healthy individuals (8 males, 17 females; mean age: 42.6±14.4 years; range, 20 to 60 years) as the controls between January 2019 and January 2021. The KKS and VKS scores were compared between the groups. Clinical parameters such as pain levels, hand grip strength (HGS) values, and two-point discrimination (2PD) test scores were compared between the patients with and without KKS or VKS deficits. The association between the severity of electromyographic findings and KKS or VKS deficits was examined. The mean VKS score of the CTS group was 22.9±1.6 and the KKS score was 20.8±3.4, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). The CTS patients performed less accurate repetitions in visually cued (60%) and kinesthetically cued (40%) positions than the control group (100% both). There were significantly more patients with VKS and KKS deficits in the moderate or severe CTS groups than in the mild CTS group (p<0.001 and p=0.007, respectively), and KKS or VKS deficits were significantly associated with the impaired HGS (p=0.042 and p=0.048, respectively) and functional status (p=0.020 and p=0.016, respectively) accompanied by the increased symptom severity (p=0.010 and p=0.002, respectively). Our study results suggest that idiopathic CTS is associated with impaired proprioception and kinesthetic sense of the hand. In addition, idiopathic CTS is related to impaired hand function and severe symptoms. Screening kinesthetic sense in patients with idiopathic CTS prior to decompression surgery or postoperative hand therapy is helpful to set realistic goals and achieve superior clinical outcomes.

Effects Of Noise Electrical Stimulation On Proprioception, Force Control, And Corticomuscular Functional Connectivity.

Sensory afferent inputs play an important role in neuromuscular functions. Subsensory level noise electrical stimulation enhances the sensitivity of peripheral sensory system and improves lower extremity motor function. The current study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of noise electrical stimulation on proprioceptive senses and grip force control, and whether there are associated neural activities in the central nervous system. Fourteen healthy adults participated in 2 experiments on 2 different days. In day 1, participants performed grip force and joint proprioceptive tasks with and without (sham) noise electrical stimulation. In day 2, participants performed grip force steady hold task before and after 30-min noise electrical stimulation. Noise stimulation was applied with surface electrodes secured along the course of the median nerve and proximal to the coronoid fossa EEG power spectrum density of bilateral sensorimotor cortex and coherence between EEG and finger flexor EMG were calculated and compared. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Tests were used to compare the differences of proprioception, force control, EEG power spectrum density and EEG-EMG coherence between noise electrical stimulation and sham conditions. The significance level (alpha) was set at 0.05. Our study found that noise stimulation with optimal intensity could improve both force and joint proprioceptive senses. Furthermore, individuals with higher gamma coherence showed better force proprioceptive sense improvement with 30-min noise electrical stimulation. These observations indicate the potential clinical benefits of noise stimulation on individuals with impaired proprioceptive senses and the characteristics of individuals who might benefit from noise stimulation.

Investigating the Effects of Closed Kinetic Chain Exercises on Proprioception and Inversion/Eversion Strength Imbalance of the Ankle Joint in Track and Field Athletes With Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Purpose: Correct proprioceptive information and muscle balance of the ankle joint muscles are essential in preventing sports injuries. This study aims to investigate the effect of closed kinetic chain exercises on proprioception and inversion/eversion strength imbalance of the ankle joint in track and field athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial study. In the present study, 22 male track and field athletes with a history of medial tibial stress syndrome and 11 male track and field athletes without medial tibial stress syndrome were purposefully selected and divided into 3 groups of 11 people as follows: 1) Closed kinetic chain exercises group, 2) The control group, and 3) The healthy group. The evaluation of absolute error of ankle joint position sense was done using the isokinetic dynamometer device actively on the leg with medial tibial stress syndrome. Isokinetic muscle strength testing was performed at 30°/s and 120°/s to assess the invertor and evertor muscle strength of the ankle. After evaluating the variables in the pre-test, the experimental group received the closed kinetic chain exercises three days each week for 8 weeks. During this period, the control group and the healthy group did not perform any exercises. Finally, after executing the selected protocol, the mentioned variables were measured again in the post-test. The analysis of covariance test was used to check the variables. In addition, the number of changes between groups was checked by the Bonferroni statistical test. Results: The results of the one-way analysis of variance statistical test showed no significant difference between the mean of the groups in the pre-test (P≤0.05). The results of the analysis of covariance test showed a significant difference between closed the kinetic chain exercises, control, and healthy groups (P≤0.05). The results of the post hoc test regarding the investigation of the intergroup difference. A significant difference was observed between closed kinetic chain exercises and healthy groups with the control group at post-intervention proprioception and inversion/eversion strength imbalance of the ankle joint. In addition, the results showed no significant differences between the closed kinetic chain exercises group and the healthy group (P≤0.05). Conclusion: It seems that under the influence of a specialized training course of the closed kinetic chain exercises for athletes, because of the significant changes in establishing the muscle balance of the evertor and invertor muscles of the ankle joint and the sense of proprioception in this area, the sports performance of the athletes improves.

The relationship between thigh and leg circumferences and proprioceptive sense: results of postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The relationship between thigh and leg circumferences and proprioceptive sense: results of postoperative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome in a 14-Year-Old Boy

AbstractAcute flaccid paralysis caused by anterior spinal artery syndrome (ASAS) is rare in children. It typically manifests as bilateral loss of motor function, pain, and temperature sensation below the level of occlusion, with relatively little impairment in proprioception and vibration sense. We present such a case in a 14-year-old child who presented with a sudden onset of neck pain followed by the typical symptoms of ASAS with impaired breathing due to the height of the lesion, which was found in the magnetic resonance imaging examination at the level of C1–5. An initially suspected thrombogenic cause proved inapplicable. Ultimately, despite extensive diagnosis, as in most cases of ASAS in children, the cause remains unclear.

Effect of Proprioception Exercise versus Focused Regimen Exercise on Balance and Quality of Life in Subjects with Diabetic Neuropathy

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a polyneuropathy that can cause damage to the peripheral nervefibers, sensorimotor and autonomic nervous system. Neuropathy causes somatosensory dysfunction of the lowerextremities, such as decreased ankle position and vibration sensations. The sensation of the skin on the feet andthe proprioceptive sense are two important factors in standing balance, postural control and coordination. As thiscondition progresses, this can lead to increased postural sway, gait disturbance, abnormal neuromuscular controland increased reaction time leading to falls in balance impaired patients.Objective: To determine the effect of proprioception exercise versus focused regimen exercise on balance andquality of life in subjects with diabetic neuropathy.Methods: 20 Subjects with diabetic neuropathy of both genders, in the age group of 40 – 60 years were convenientlyassigned into 2 groups. Group A (n = 10) received Proprioception exercise and Group B (n = 10) received Focusedregimen exercise, 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks. Balance and quality of life were evaluated with Berg Balance Scaleand SF – 36 Survey questionnaire.Results: The difference in the post-test mean scores of group A and group B in Berg Balance Scale was 32 and 28.3and SF – 36 Survey questionnaire was 61.4 and 56.6 respectively. The result showed a significant improvement inGroup A than in Group B at p &lt; 0.0001.Conclusion: Therefore, the study concludes that the Proprioception exercise training is better managementto improve balance and quality of life in subjects with diabetic neuropathy.

Correlations of strength, proprioception, and tactile sensation to return-to-sports readiness among patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is the most common surgery for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and the relationships between patients' return to sports (RTS) readiness and different physical functions are inconclusive among patients with ACLR. This study aimed to investigate the correlations of strength, proprioception, and tactile sensation to the RTS readiness among patients with ACLR. Methods: Forty-two participants who received ACLR for at least 6months were enrolled in this study. Their strength, proprioception, and tactile sensation were tested, and their RTS readiness was measured with the Knee Santy Athletic Return to Sports (K-STARTS) test, which consists of a psychological scale [Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sports after Injury scale (ACL-RSI)] and seven functional tests. Partial correlations were used to determine their correlations while controlling for covariates (age, height, weight, and postoperative duration), and factor analysis and multivariable linear regressions were used to determine the degrees of correlation. Results: Knee extension strength was moderately correlated with K-STARTS total, ACL-RSI, and functional scores. Knee flexion strength, knee flexion and extension proprioception, and tactile sensation at the fifth metatarsal were moderately correlated with K-STARTS total and functional scores. Strength has higher levels of correlation with functional scores than proprioception. Conclusion: Rehabilitation to promote muscle strength, proprioception and tactile sensation should be performed among patients with ACLR, muscle strength has the highest priority, followed by proprioception, with tactile sensation making the least contribution.

Is the Integration Problem in the Sensoriomotor System the Cause of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis?

The reason behind the balance control disorder seen in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has been suggested as a central nervous system dysfunction, yet it has not been investigated in detail whether this problem originates from sensory, motor, or from both systems. This study aimed to reveal the differences in the pathways that provide proprioceptive sense, motor control, and coordination between these 2 systems in female individuals with AIS. Brain Diffusion Tensor Imaging was applied to 30 healthy individuals and 30 Lenke type 1 AIS patients. All of the individuals included in the study were predominantly right-handed and aged between 10 and 18. Diffusion tensor imaging of both groups were performed bilateral tractography on the corticospinal tract (CS tr), medial lemniscus (ML), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) tracts using DSI Studio software. Significant differences in the parameters of CS tr, ML, SLF, ILF pathways were found between the AIS and the control groups. In the AIS group, significant differences were found in the fiber count and fiber ratio of the ML that carries the proprioceptive sense and CS tr, which is responsible for the somatomotor system. There were also significant differences between the left and right CS tr, ML, SLF, and ILF pathways of the AIS group ( P <0.05). Differences in the CS tr, ML, SLF, and ILF pathways may trigger muscular asymmetry and cause postural instability and thus spinal deformity in AIS.

Active Tactile Sensibility in Implant Prosthesis vs. Complete Dentures: A Psychophysical Study.

Proprioceptive information from natural dentition and adjacent oral tissues enables correct masticatory function, avoiding damage to the teeth. Periodontium is the main source of this relevant information, and when a tooth is lost, all this proprioceptive sensibility relies on receptors from muscles, the mucous membrane or the temporomandibular joint, and this sensibility gets worse. Active tactile sensibility measures this proprioceptive capability in microns by psychophysical studies consisting of introducing thin metal foils between patients' dental arches during chewing to see if they are able to notice them or not. Osseoperception is a complex phenomenon that seems to improve this sensibility in patients wearing dental implants. The objective of this investigation is to measure this sensibility in different prosthetic situations by performing a psychophysical investigation. We divided 67 patients in three groups depending on their prosthetic situation and performed a psychophysical study by introducing aluminium foils of different thicknesses in order to establish an active tactile sensibility threshold in every group. We also measured variables such as prosthetic wearing time, age or gender to see how they may influence threshold values. We used Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests to analyse these results. Active tactile sensibility threshold values in implants are lower than those from complete dentures but higher than values in natural dentition. However, values in implants are closer to natural dentition than complete denture values. Age, gender or prosthetic wearing time have no influence in active tactile sensibility thresholds. Active tactile sensibility threshold values depend on prosthetic rehabilitations and the mechanoreceptors involved in every situation. Implant prosthesis presents an increased active tactile sensibility thanks to osseoperception phenomenon.