Proprioception Training & Neuromuscular Control
Today's lecture was mainly about how important proprioception training is when incorporating it into an injury prevention exercise circuit. Let's define proprioception as the conscious and unconscious appreciation of joint position. When we look at traditional treatment methods there is a definite emphasis on pain restoration of ROM(range of motion) and strength/endurance; which makes perfect sense. BUT there isn't much account for proprioception and balance as well as tying everything together for the particular sport. In turn, it leads to incomplete restoration of function and increased risk of injury. To get back to proprioception, one can expand the term in regards to neuromuscular control: afferent stimulus (towards CNS) ---->reactive efferent output. When we injure proprioception, we will do it in one of two ways: Direct or Indirect. Direct involves trauma caused by a ruptured nerve fiber as indirect may involve someone with acute swelling around a ligament which leads to loss of reception due to pressure. Moving onto ankles, most common phrase correlated to ankle injuries would probably be "Can't help it, I have weak ankles." But my professor would beg to differ with that and correct that to "No you have stupid ankles." Because even strong ankles can be injured on uneven ground, if the neuromuscular system is not trained to react appropriately. On a final note, 20-50% of ankles injuries are reoccurring so what does that tell us? Did they properly rehab there ankle; ligamental, muscular, tendous and proprioceptive attributes, back to normal if not above normal? More than likely the answer will be no. Just a thought.
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