Proprioseptif

Proprioception, sometimes called proprioceptive sense, is the body's ability to perceive its own position, movement, and action without relying on visual input. It encompasses awareness of static limb position as well as the sense of moving limbs (kinesthesia).

The sense arises from specialized sensory receptors known as proprioceptors, including muscle spindles (which detect muscle length and rate of stretch), Golgi tendon organs (which measure tendon tension), and joint receptors (which monitor joint angles and movement). Cutaneous receptors contribute additional information about contact and pressure. Signals from these receptors travel via afferent nerve fibers to the spinal cord and brainstem and are processed in areas such as the cerebellum and somatosensory cortex to produce a coherent sense of limb position and movement.

Functionally, proprioception supports posture, balance, coordination, and smooth, purposeful movement. It underpins motor planning and execution, allows for motor learning, and helps the body adapt to changes in the environment or body. People can perform many tasks with reduced visual input, such as reaching for an object with eyes closed, thanks to proprioceptive feedback.

Clinical relevance: Proprioceptive deficits can accompany nerve injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, or musculoskeletal disorders, leading to impaired balance and coordination. Assessment often includes tests of joint position sense and threshold to passive movement. Rehabilitation frequently emphasizes proprioceptive and balance training, neuromuscular exercises, and functional task practice to restore function.

Terminology: The term proprioception derives from Latin proprius “one’s own” and sensus “perception.” In French, the term is proprioceptif. Proprioception is distinct from kinesthesia, which emphasizes the perception of movement itself.