Ultimately the glue that binds a whole training program together is proprioception. I think of proprioception as the ability that lends quality to the movement. Proprioception is awareness of joint position derived from feedback in the sense receptors in the joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It is a highly trainable quality that we tend to take for granted. It is almost too simple. Perhaps to appreciate proprioception we should look at the extreme case of a stroke victim that is able to return to normal movement patterns. Why can’t an athlete who has all their capacities enhance the quality of their movement by focusing on the same things that the stroke victim has to focus on to get back to function. The key to that is proprioception. We must strive to constantly change proprioceptive demand throughout the training program in order to enhance the quality of movement.
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It is a highly trainable quality that we tend to take for granted. It is almost too simple. Perhaps to appreciate proprioception we should look at the extreme case of a stroke victim that is able to return to normal movement patterns. Why can’t an athlete who has all their capacities enhance the quality of their movement by focusing on the same things that the stroke victim has to focus on to get back to function. The key to that is proprioception.
Thomas Lam
Thanks Vern for the post. I’d humbly add that joint position sense (proprioception) is one component that determinants motor control / performance.
Interestingly many athletes are unable to appreciate where they are in space, evident through the use of video motion analysis. For example, Noyes et al (2005), have clearly demoonstrated that the use of a simple test (drop jump screen) that athletes of all ages and levels of participation undergo dynamic valgus. When we’ve screen athletes using this test and show them their movements they are SHOCKED. They are surprised by the movement of their knees. Interestingly their mechanoreceptors responsible for joint awareness is intake, yet they are unaware of the dynamic valgus. Perhaps this means proprioception must be trained???? (I think that goes without saying)Therefore what are the best contextual tools to help improve proprioception, which provides information to modulate / refine movement. There are many options (i.e. video motion, auditory cues, feedback through a mirror, external outcome, biofeedback, etc.)
Thanks again, this is a great blog!!!!
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Good blog..They are surprised by the movement of their knees..keep sending like this good information..i got really good information in this…keep it up.thanks for the blog..