Sense – Proprioception

The proprioceptive system is one of the lesser known senses. This sensory system has huge influence on our body awareness, identifying and grading both force and pressure. The proprioceptive system receptors are located in our muscles, joints, ligaments and even within our skin and bones. Movement triggers feedback from the receptors to our brain and provide information about where our arms, legs, hands and feet are in relation to our body. This sense helps us to coordinate our movements so we can walk, run, hop, skip, negotiate obstacles or kick an object with precision.

What does proprioception help us with?

Proprioception helps us to determine the weight of an object by the amount of pressure or force it places through our joints. This then helps us to develop control and apply the right amount of pressure needed to manipulate objects. Proprioception is crucial for motor control, postural stability, and the ability to identify weight, size and pressure.

Why is proprioception useful?

The proprioceptive system can be a good tool for calming, organising and self-regulating the brain and nervous system. Proprioception is essential for maintaining a level of alertness and as a result can impact positively on levels of attention and learning. Activities which stimulate the proprioceptive sense involve pushing, pulling, squeezing, climbing or lifting and stretching. Overall proprioception has huge influence on our body scheme, it also helps us to organise ourselves and remain alert.