What is proprioception?
Definition: The term proprioception originates from Latin and is composed of "proprio," meaning "own" or "one's own," and "zeption," meaning "sense" or "perception." Broadly speaking, it refers to all perceptions that are not caused by external stimuli, but rather stimuli that we detect through our own body awareness.
Proprioception, the proprioceptive system, or deep sensibility, therefore describes the sensory perception through which our body informs the brain about the activity, condition, or position of the muscles, joints, and tendons. It is more or less natural for humans to constantly sense what is happening in or with their bodies. Part of self-awareness is determining how and what is moving in the body—an arm, a leg, an eye; what the body's starting position is; how much pressure must be applied or how much resistance must be offered for a particular movement.
These messages to the brain are only possible because of the stimuli that occur via muscle spindles, tendon spindles or receptors in, for example, joint capsules, ligaments and periosteum.
How do proprioceptive disorders manifest themselves?
Proprioceptive disorders affect the body's sensory system, which allows us to sense the position and movement of body parts in space. Those affected often have difficulty accurately judging their body position, which manifests as instability in everyday movements. Typical symptoms include coordination problems, such as difficulties grasping, holding, or manipulating objects, as well as difficulties with fine motor tasks like writing or buttoning buttons. Balance can also be affected, resulting in an unsteady gait or an increased risk of falls. A lack of body awareness is also frequently reported, meaning that movements require excessive concentration. In some cases, tension or pain may occur as the body attempts to compensate for the impaired perception.
What is proprioceptive training?
For our musculoskeletal system and our movements, it is crucial that this self-awareness is as precise as possible. Fortunately, it can be trained; this is called proprioceptive training. It involves proprioceptive exercises that improve body awareness as well as the sensation or perception of movement. Targeted measures focus attention on one's own body awareness. These include, in particular, balance exercises.
Proprioceptive training while seated
Balance exercises don't have to be done on a balance beam or even on one leg. Balance, and therefore proprioception, can be trained even while seated. Aeris active chairs are ideal for this, as they encourage and promote natural, spontaneous, and unrestricted movement in all directions while sitting. This is based on the patented 3D technology. To maintain an upright posture, the pelvis must compensate for movements, which strengthens the muscles and has an overall positive effect on the musculoskeletal system.
According to Dr. Dieter Breithecker, head of the German Federal Association for Posture and Movement Promotion (Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft für Haltungs- und Bewegungsförderung e.V.), the Swopper from Aeris is superior to any office chair that only features a synchronous mechanism. Sitting with Aeris's special 3D function , which "unlocks" the pelvis, allows for variable micro- and macro-movements. This results in a rhythmic alternation of tension and relaxation in the physiological structures involved in posture. This free and self-organized sitting behavior triggers a complex interaction between the sensory (proprioceptive), neural, and muscular systems. In other words, the user is constantly adjusting their posture, which trains motor skills and, ultimately, body awareness.
