What Happens When Proprioception Is Impaired?
If you have poor proprioception after an injury or surgery, you may not even notice.
But sometimes, impaired proprioception results in difficulty with basic functional mobility.
Don Mason / Getty Images
If your proprioception is really off, you may even fall.
People with Parkinson’s disease have impaired proprioception that is only partially restored with medications or deep brain stimulation.
Upper extremity injuries may also result in loss of proprioception.
Proprioception Exercises
Many people perform balance and proprioception exercises after an injury or surgery.
Try standing on a pillow or piece of foam.
Standing with your eyes closed, thus eliminating your visual system, can also challenge your proprioception.
These exercises may challenge your balance, creating situations where you feel unsteady.
This unsteadiness is necessary; it helps to improve your balance and proprioception.
Working with a physical therapist may help improve your proprioception and your overall functional mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few ways proprioception is tested.
Yes, it is possible to improve proprioception.
Some single studies reviewed resulted in improvements as high as 80%.
Age, injury, and certain neurological conditions may lead to reduced proprioception.
Drugs and alcohol also temporarily affect proprioception.
Those who are recovering from an injury may lose the sense of the injured area of their body.
Proprioception will return gradually during the recovery process.
Journal of Sport and Health Science.
