Proprioception and Sensorimotor Control
How the body's position sense underpins balance, and why proprioceptive training sharpens joint stability and control.
Proprioception is the sense of joint position and movement, and proprioceptive or sensorimotor training reliably improves balance and joint control, reducing recurrent ankle sprains in at-risk populations. The mechanism is less settled than the outcome: measured position sense frequently does not improve even when balance does, and much of the gain is now attributed to central adaptation rather than to the receptors themselves. Because the effect is task- and joint-specific, training should target the relevant surfaces and movements.
- 'Balance is only about strength' (sensory/proprioceptive input is equally central)
- 'Closed eyes always makes it harder safely' (remove vision only with support available)
- Does not guarantee prevention of any fall or injury
- Not a substitute for medical evaluation of dizziness, syncope, or unexplained falls
- Does not treat ligament tears or joint pathology
- Recurrent joint 'giving way', locking, or significant swelling
- Persistent numbness or loss of sensation in the feet
51 supporting studies inform this block; the key sources below are shown with their individual grades and DOI links. This is the audit trail.