What are the neurophysiological bases of proprioception?4 answersThe neurophysiological bases of proprioception lie in the specialized mechanosensory neurons known as proprioceptors. These proprioceptors, located in the dorsal root ganglia, convey information about muscle, tendon, and joint stretch and tension to the central nervous system. Proprioceptive signals travel through specific nerve pathways to reach the spinal cord, cerebellum (unconscious processing), and cerebral cortex (conscious processing). Mechanogated ion channels like ASIC2, TRPV4, and PIEZO2 are implicated as putative mechanotransducers in proprioception. Additionally, studies on adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis suggest that the neural networks responsible for proprioceptive integration may exhibit delays in maturation rather than dysfunction. Understanding the electrical properties and sensory inputs of different types of neurons in the spinal cord further elucidates the distinct mechanisms underlying proprioception.
What is the definition and history of proprioception?4 answersProprioception, defined as the conscious and unconscious perception of body position and movement in space, plays a crucial role in motor actions and development. The term was introduced by Sherrington in 1906, although the concept has always been present, with roots traced back to Sechenov's work in 1863. Proprioception involves an individual's "unconscious" awareness of their body parts' locations, essential for tasks like eating, cycling, or driving without visual guidance. Recent advancements in genetic tools for proprioceptive circuit elements and bionic neural machine-interface technologies are shedding light on the mechanisms transforming sensory feedback into a dynamic body percept. Proprioceptive art has also gained popularity, offering experiences that connect individuals in a digital and disembodied contemporary world.
What is the prevalence of sensory impairment in cerebral palsy?5 answersThe prevalence of sensory impairment in cerebral palsy (CP) is high. Studies have shown that sensory deficits are prevalent in children with CP, with impairments in somatosensation being particularly common. Tactile discrimination, limb position sense, and haptic object recognition are often impaired in the upper limb of children with hemiplegic CP. Neurocognitive and sensory impairments are also common in children with CP, with deficits such as epilepsy, hearing impairment, visual impairment, growth impairment, and speech disorders being frequently reported. Additionally, sensory disturbances are often present in children with CP, with a significant proportion of children experiencing responses "much more than others" in various sensory processing patterns. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing sensory impairments in children with CP to improve their overall motor functioning and quality of life.
What is proprioception?4 answersProprioception is the sense of positioning and movement of the body. It is mediated by proprioceptors, which are mechanosensory neurons located in the muscles, tendons, and joints. These proprioceptors provide information about the stretch and tension of these tissues and send afferent signals to the central nervous system for processing. Proprioception plays a crucial role in motor control and postural stability. It helps in perceiving the position of body parts, muscle contraction, and resistance applied to the body. Impairment or poor proprioception is associated with aging and certain neurological diseases. Understanding proprioception is important for diagnosing and treating conditions related to sensorimotor control. Advances in genetic tools and bionic neural machine-interface technologies are providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying proprioceptive encoding. Additionally, research is being conducted to develop artificial proprioception for individuals who have lost their natural proprioceptive abilities.
Is fatigue affected by neuromuscular impairments?4 answersFatigue is affected by neuromuscular impairments. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience greater fatigability, which is related to an impairment in motor-unit recruitment or discharge rates. In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromuscular function is more susceptible to impairment, particularly during exercise, when disability is greater. The severity of performance fatigability in CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients is influenced by commonly experienced neuromuscular impairments, such as reductions in force capacity, skeletal muscle atrophy, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These neuromuscular impairments contribute to the greater performance fatigability observed in CKD and ESKD patients. Therefore, it can be concluded that neuromuscular impairments have a significant impact on fatigue and fatigability in various patient populations.
What are the effects of proprioception loss on the ability of below knee amputees to perform functional tasks?5 answersThe effects of proprioception loss on the ability of below knee amputees to perform functional tasks have been studied. It has been found that the lack of proprioception in lower limb amputees can lead to gait asymmetry, balance issues, and an increased risk of falling. The restoration of sensory feedback through the use of wearable proprioceptive devices and stimulation systems has been proposed as a solution. These devices aim to improve postural control, gait functions, and energy consumption in amputees. Additionally, electrically stimulating the residual nerves of amputees has shown promising results in improving locomotion and foot placement accuracy. The ability to forget the prosthesis, which indicates adaptation to the prosthesis, has also been found to be affected by the loss of the knee joint in amputees. Overall, proprioception loss in below knee amputees can significantly impact their ability to perform functional tasks, but interventions such as wearable devices and sensory stimulation systems show potential for improvement.