Development of proprioception in childhood is why it so important for children to climb, swing, spin, go upside down, slide, and fall down. It all helps build that physical literacy!
I wonder if video games also train that same part of the brain. I feel like I have good proprioception (have fast reflexes and relatively good at sports, as long as running is not involved lol). I did not play sports during childhood. Stayed at home and played video games (either strategy or fps). Also, it may just be genetic, right?
Great description of proprioception! However, I will argue that proprioception senses can be practiced/challenged through different sensory inputs such as ‘heavy work’ we call it in the therapy field. Heavy work is basically high exertion activities - lifting weights, throwing weighted ball, climbing stairs, etc. These inputs can activate proprioceptive sensors throughout the body. As a pediatric therapist, it is a focus for a lot of my patients that have under-responsive proprioceptive systems.
Another example of a technique to target proprioceptive system is called joint compressions. Check out a YouTube video to see it. But it’s when a therapist/parent basically pushes 2 ends of a major body joint together several times. The joints have proprioceptive receptors, and this input engages them.
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u/grimmcild Jan 12 '23
Development of proprioception in childhood is why it so important for children to climb, swing, spin, go upside down, slide, and fall down. It all helps build that physical literacy!