The Proprioceptive System Explained
What is The Proprioceptive System?
Another fundamental part of the sensory system is the proprioceptive system which is located in our ligaments, connective tissues, muscles and joints. This is the sense that detects and controls the amount of force and pressure we exert when moving around. The proprioceptive system is the only system necessary to develop body awareness. It is also the only sense that we experience before we are born since our first sensation is movement, which we experience inside of the womb!
The Importance of the Proprioceptive System:
There is a reason the proprioceptive system is also referred to as our hidden sixth sense. Proprioception is the internal sense that tells us where our body parts are at and what they should be doing, without having to look at them. If we had to consciously think about every physical movement we make during an average day, every time we got distracted we would fall down. Our internal body awareness sense relies on data gathered by receptors (called proprioceptors) in the skin, joints, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues. The data is collected by detecting the pulling, stretching and pressure on the muscles and joints.
The information travels back to the brain through the central nervous system where it is processed, assigned meaning and stored in an unconscious area of the brain. This is how the unconscious area of the brain knows how much tension, pressure or stretching to apply as we move around during the day.
Proprioceptive Dysfunction Signs
We have covered that a normally functioning proprioceptive system allows us to move around freely without having to think about it. If the proprioceptive system is impaired life becomes more challenging, especially for children. The child has to make a conscious effort to both move around and sit still depending on what is being required of them. Often children struggling have a harder time mastering things we normally think twice about completing. This can cause a child t9 develop a short fuse and become frustrated easily.
There are three different areas a proprioceptive system can be impaired. Each of these different have different symptoms and interfere with life in different ways. Luckily, the way you treat and accommodate them are similar.
1.) Sensory Seeking
* Using too much force when trying to pick something up,
* Does not know how hard to press when writing- may often break pencils or tear through paper,
* Does not know their own strength- they may play too rough with others
* While sitting, they have to bounce or shake their leg
* Prefers tighter fitting clothing
* May be observed clenching jaw or biting inedible objects
* Feet stomping when walking around normally
*Bumps into things or people
2.) Poor Motor Planning/Control & Body Awareness
* Difficulty going up and down stairs
* Difficulty riding a bike
* Uncoordinated
* Seems unaware of their body
* Invades other peoples personal space
* Developmental delays with their fine motor skills
* Unable to gauge how hard to press when writing typically resulting in poor penmanship or tired crampy hands.
3.) Poor Postural Control
* May be observed slouching a lot
* Awkward gait
* Struggles with their balance
* Prefers sedentary activities
* Easily worn out
* Places head down on desk while writing
When the system isnât working properly the brain cannot gauge how much tension, pressure or stretching is needed to go about different levels of activities in the day. If the brain cannot communicate how much tension or pressure is needed, then the child cannot apply the correct amount of force on things. Sometimes the force may be excessive which may lead to the child to accidentally breakthings. Other times the force may not be enough and your child will drop things and/or struggle with their fine motor skills.
Children with dysfunctional proprioceptive systems will typically begin engaging in self regulating behaviors such as crashing into things, excessive running, toe walking or flapping. These behaviors provide the child with the proprioceptive input that they are not getting throughout the day. There are much safer ways to help ensure your child gets the proprioceptive input that they are looking for.
Regulating Proprioception
Most people get the physical movement their proprioception system needs from their daily activities. Heavy work activities are anything that involves pulling, pushing, lifting heavy objects or any other tasks that involve providing heavy resistance and input to the muscles and joints. Heavy work is considered a sensory activity that helps jumpstart the childâs proprioception system ability to know where their body is at and what it should be doing.
Providing the child with heavy work activities each day can help reduce any symptoms associated with an un-regulated proprioceptive system. Heavy work activities can take place anywhere. Even bringing them to the grocery store and have them help push the cart and/or bend and lift the food into the cart. Taking the child to the park or asking them complete age appropriate chores around the house can provide them with the proprioception input they need.
Other ideas for proprioceptive input include:
* Bear hugs or being wrapped up tightly in a blanket
* Weighted vests or blankets (consult with a physician first because there is a formula involved that is based on weight to calculate just how much weight the child needs)
* Rolling around on the belly while doing push ups on top of an exercise ball.
* Yoga (improves flexibility, muscle strength and muscle and balance)
* Activities where your child has to locate body parts or be more conscientious of their body awareness. (Simon says, copying silly poses or dance moves, etc)
* Oral activities like chewy tubes or vibration sticks, sucking milkshakes or smoothies through a straw, blowing bubbles, etc)
Caregiver Advice:
It is important to always consult with a physician anytime you have concerns about your child. Whether or not your child is on the autism spectrum or just showing signs of an unregulated proprioceptive systems it is important to rule out any medical problems. Proprioceptive dysfunction can be caused by serious injuries and medical disorders that affect the sensory receptors either because they have signals misfiring or the brain is misinterpreting the signals. Proprioception loss can happen at any age and the risk of loss only increases as we get older due to a combination of medical issues and the natural age related changes to the body.

















