Proprioception and balance are things that most people take for granted. People don’t give much thought to their ability to stand upright or walk in a straight line without falling or running into other objects. In most cases, they’ve been able to do these things since early childhood. They’re second nature, yet few people realize how complex these abilities really are or how easily they can be affected.
How Can Proprioception Be Affected?
Proprioception can be affected by neurological disorders such as a stroke or diabetic neuropathy as well as injuries to the musculoskeletal system such as sprained ankles or damage to the spinal cord. In short, just about anything that can affect your ability to be aware of your limbs can cause serious issues with your proprioception.
As a person loses their proprioception, they also become prone to other injuries. People who are unable to walk properly, control the position of their arms and maintain their balance often suffer slip-and-fall injuries, even in the most familiar of environments. One or two of these injuries may not be very severe, but the fact that they can happen so frequently is always cause for alarm.
Just as proprioception can be negatively affected by injury and disease, it can also be improved through exercise and physical therapy. One of the most common methods of improving proprioception is the use of sensory integration. Sensory integration is a form of occupational therapy that is meant to improve the senses of touch and balance through a series of easy exercises.
Proprioception and Balance Boards
Sensory integration is one of the most common ways to improve proprioception, but there are other exercises that have proven effective as well. For example, many people have found that they can improve their proprioception and their balance with the use of a balance board. Balance boards were initially developed for surfers and skateboarders who wanted to improve their balance and their technique when it wasn’t possible to do so with skateboards and surfboards. A typical balance board consists of a board that rests on a pivot, with the general goal being to stand on the board without falling off. There are other tricks and exercises that people can do on balance boards, but for the purpose of improving proprioception, they work just fine for people who are just trying to maintain their balance.
Balance boards can be used practically anywhere as long as there is plenty of space. They work best on carpeted surfaces, and many people keep them in their homes. Some of the more advanced techniques do require a lot of skill, but simply standing on a board is still a great way to improve your balance and strengthen your core muscles.
Most people are unaware of the sense of proprioception, but it is vital to our daily life. Suffering an injury that takes it away can be devastating, but it’s good to know that it can be improved with physical therapy and balance board training.