Proprioception and Spatial Orientation

Baldeo, Biendima, Go, Olivar, Soriano

Methodology

Condition I

In a single rapid try

Condition II

Condition III

Looking at ceiling while standing on

one foot

Results ISubject 1 Subject 2

Eyes Opened Missed Touched

Eyes Closed Missed Missed

Results IIISubject 1 Subject 2

Eyes Opened Able to maintain balanceWobbled a bit

Arms wobbledLegs swayed a bit

Eyes Closed Body shakingFeet wobbled uncontrollably

Stable

Results IISubject 1 Subject 2

Eyes Opened Body adjusts to the side of the foot on the ground

Body wobbled

Foot on ground wobbledBody leaned towards the

foot on the groundEyes Closed Wobbled left and right

Moves about rapidlyPerson can’t seem to find

center of gravity

Swayed to the leftBody wobbled uncontrolably

Proprioceptive Sensations

• Sensations relating to the physical state of the body

• Static position sense vs. Rate of movement sense

Cues Important in Spatial Orientation

• Visual Cues– Slight linear or rotational movement of the body,

instantaneously shifts the visual images of the retina, and this information is relayed to the equilibrium center

Cues Important in Spatial Orientation

• Vestibular cues– Proper orientation of our head, limbs, and entire

body is achieved by reflex signals originating from the vestibular apparatus.

Cues Important in Spatial Orientation

• Kinesthetic cues– Joint receptors of the neck– Pressure sensations from footpads (Baroreceptors)– Muscle spindles

Cues Important in Spatial Orientation

• Exteroreceptive information– Important when a person

is in motion– Air pressure against the

front of the body signals that a force is opposing the body in a direction different from that caused by the gravitational pull; as a result, the person leans forward to oppose this

Corrective motions for balance

The body moves to a position such that its center of gravity falls on the same longitudinal axis as that of its foundation