22/11/2025
The proprioceptive system receives input from the muscles and joints about body position, weight, pressure, stretch, movement and changes in position in space.
Our bodies are able to grade and coordinate movements based on the way muscles move, stretch, and contract.
Proprioception allows us to apply more or less pressure and force in a task. Instinctively, we know that lifting a feather requires very little pressure and effort, while moving a large backpack requires more work. We are able to coordinate our movements effectively to manage our day’s activities with the proprioceptive system. The brain also must coordinate input about gravity, movement, and balance involving the vestibular system.
Kids who are showing signs of proprioceptive dysfunction might do some of these things:
+Appear clumsy
+Fidget when asked to sit quietly.
+Show an increased activity level or arousal level.
+Seek intense proprioceptive input by “crashing and bashing” into anything.
+Slap their feet when walking.
+Flap hands.
+Use too much or too little force on pencils, scissors, objects, and people.
+“No fear” when jumping or walking down stairs.
+Or, are overly fearful of walking down steps/jumping.
+Look at their body parts (hands/feet) when completing simple tasks.
+Sit down too hard or miss chairs when sitting.
+Fall out of their seat.
+Fluctuates between over-reacting and under-reacting in response to stimulation.
+Constantly on the move.
+Slow to get moving and then fatigue easily.
Proprioception activities are a good way to calm and organize your child.
Read more: https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception-sensory-activities/
