Proprioception

Proprioception is one of the eight sensory systems and is the awareness of body in space.  Proprioceptive input receptors are in the muscles and joints.  They give information to the brain about the amount of stretch on each muscle and pressure on each joint.  This provides an accurate picture of the body’s position in space without the use of vision. Proprioceptive input can help children to organize their movements, improve body awareness, and improve coordination.  In addition, proprioceptive input provides deep pressure to the body which helps to inhibit sensory defensiveness.

 Proprioception allows us to:

·         Execute gross and fine motor tasks that require modifications in strength, force, and agility.

·         Perform movements without looking at the moving parts (such as walking down stairs or ballet dancing).

·         Execute the unconscious, automatic movements which allow us to maintain an upright body position.

·         Learn and execute novel gross and fine motor tasks (praxis/motor planning).

 Signs of difficulty with processing of proprioceptive input may include: bumps into things frequently, drop things easily, tires quickly with physical activity, difficulty with motor tasks that have several steps, slumps while sitting, tends to be slow in eating/dressing, seems to deliberately fall or tumble.

 Heavy work activities help to increase body awareness (proprioception) and decrease sensory seeking behaviors. These activities include anything in which you push, pull, or use the large muscles of the body.  Playful heavy work activities that can be done at home include:  animal walks, wheelbarrow walking, pillow crashing, crawling through a tunnel, tug-of-war, carrying heavy loads, propelling self of scooter board, climbing on playground equipment, pushing on a wall, play wrestling, push-ups, donkey kicks, chair dips, planks, handstands against the wall, pouring water out of a water can, and helping to carry groceries.