Myth: Proprioception Training
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Kim et al. (2011). Overcoming the Myth of Proprioceptive Training. Clinical Kinesiology, 65(1), 18-28.
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The purpose of this study was to review the available scientific research on proprioceptive/proprioception training (as a factor within improved balance), to define it more precisely, and to evaluate its effectiveness.
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In this study:
>Proprioception is defined as sensory input information which describes joint, limb, and overall postural position, velocity, and direction.
>There are two primary misconceptions that cloud proprioception training. One is that exercise/training can improve it. The other is that proprioception is automatically an underlying factor for improvements in balance tasks.
>The origins or proprioception training (exercises aimed at improving this sensory information) are rooted in clinicians (i.e., physical therapists) that have assumed that balance tasks with unstable surfaces would challenge proprioceptors and subsequently improve their function. This presupposition is unfounded.
>A multitude of previously conducted studies have created increased confusion because any measurable improvement within balance tasks have been incorrectly reported as improved proprioception without actually measuring any neurophysiology of the proprioceptors.
>The proprioceptors (muscle spindles, golgi-tendon organs, and joint capsule/ligament receptors) have not been demonstrated to improve signal velocity or general acuity (the factors that would constitute meaningful change in function) with these types of physical interventions.
>Between aforementioned false presuppositions and poorly defined scientific outcomes, the myth of proprioceptive training continues to persist.
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Conclusion:
>There has been little scientific research conducted that directly measures proprioceptive function. Amongst the little research that has been done, there is no support of proprioception’s trainability via physical training/exercise.
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Take-home:
>Emphasizing proprioception and allowing its influence over exercise programming is discouraged due to the lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness.
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