09/07/2025
Weck will be on the offensive for this! ๐คฃ
๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐
๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ป๐๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ณ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฎ๐ โ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ดโ ๐ถ๐ ๐ฎ ๐ ๐ถ๐๐ป๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ
๐ก Balance and proprioception are related but distinct concepts. Balance is the ability to maintain the center of mass within the base of support and depends on integrated input from the somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems, with somatosensory input serving as the primary source in adultsใ3ใ. Proprioception, in contrast, is the CNS process of determining the relative position and movement of the limbs and trunk while balancing. The eventual outcome is determined by motor control (neuromuscular function), which is the aspect most likely to adapt with trainingใ3ใ.
โถ๏ธ Using unstable surfaces (e.g., balance boards) is often mislabeled as โproprioceptive training.โ Instead, such exercises alter the weighting of sensory information: when standing on an unstable surface, orientationally accurate somatosensory input is reduced, forcing the CNS to depend more on visual and vestibular inputใ1,2,4,6ใ. If vision is also removed (eyes closed), balance relies almost exclusively on the vestibular systemใ1,2,4,6ใ. Thus, unstable surface training does not directly train proprioception; rather, it reweights multisensory inputs for balance control.
โถ๏ธ For optimal training of proprioceptive and balance function, the literature suggests practicing balance on stable surfaces, while progressively adding challenges such as closing the eyes or introducing expected/unexpected perturbations, to enhance CNS processing of somatosensory inputใ1โ6ใ.
๐ References
1. Reiman BL, Lephart SM. The sensorimotor system, part I: The physiologic basis of functional joint stability. J Athl Train. 2002;37:71โ79.
2. Reiman BL, Lephart SM. The sensorimotor system, part II: The physiologic basis of functional joint stability. J Athl Train. 2002;37:80โ84.
3. Shumway-Cook A, Woolacott MH. Motor Control: Issues and theory. In: Motor Control: Translating Research Into Clinical Practice (3rd ed). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007. pp. 3โ20.
4. Shumway-Cook A, Woolacott MH. Motor Control: Issues and theory. In: Motor Control: Translating Research Into Clinical Practice (3rd ed). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007. pp. 157โ186.
5. Imbiriba LA, Correia MRA, Farias SG, Silva JM, da Nobrega Ferreira I, Cavalcanti Garcia MA, Sperandei S, Macedo AR. What we know so far about postural balance training: An exploratory scoping review of nomenclature and related issues. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2020 Jul;24(3):227-234. doi: 10.1016/
6. Ogard, William K PT, PhD. Proprioception in Sports Medicine and Athletic Conditioning. Strength and Conditioning Journal 33(3):p 111-118, June 2011. | DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0b013e31821bf3ae
