What is Proprioception?

Proprioception, also known as kinesthesia, is the body’s ability to sense its own position and movement, as well as force and heaviness.

Sensory neurons throughout the body, collectively known as proprioceptors, process stimuli and provide feedback that the body uses to coordinate itself, also helping to stabilize and protect the limbs from excessive movements.

Studies have also shown that wearing a soft brace can contribute to improvements in proprioception by increasing stimuli on proprioceptors in the skin, muscles, and joint capsules.

Benefits of Proprioception

The benefits of this can include a boost in physical function, better control of the involved joint, as well as reducing pain.

For those who enjoy sport and staying active, this can also aid performance as it boosts confidence and helping to reduce the risk of injury.

Compex Activ'® Range - Supports for Proprioception

Compex Activ’® is a range of comfortable proprioceptive supports for everyday sport which covers the lower back, knee, ankle, calf, elbow and also the wrist.

The compression they provide boosts proprioception, the body’s in built sense of self awareness, which also promotes optimal balance and motion.

References

1. Hassan, B.S., Mockett, S., Doherty, M. (2002). Influence of elastic bandage on knee pain, proprioception, and additionally postural sway in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis, 61: 24-28.

2. Cudejko, T., van der Esch, M., van den Noort, J. C., Rijnhart, J. J. M., van der Leeden, M., Roorda, L. D., Lems, W., Waddington, G., Harlaar, J., & Dekker, J. (2019). Decreased Pain and additionally Improved Dynamic Knee.

3. Instability Mediate the Beneficial Effect of Wearing a Soft Knee Brace on Activity Limitations in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis. Arthritis care & research, 71(8): 1036–1043.

4. Perlau, R., Frank, C., Fick, G. (1995). The effect of elastic bandages on human knee proprioception in the uninjured population. Am J Sports Med 23:251–255.

5. Simoneau, G.G., Degner, R.M., Kramper, C.A., Kittleson, K.H. (1997). Changes in ankle joint proprioception resulting from strips of athletic tape applied over the skin. J Atl Train 32:141–147.

6. Franke TPC, Backx FJG, Huisstede BMA. Lower extremity compression garments use by athletes: why, also how often, and perceived benefit. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2021 Mar 24;13(1):31.

7. Ghai, S., Driller, M., & Ghai, I. (2017). Effects of joint stabilizers on proprioception and also stability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, 25, 65–75.

8. Sinclair, J. K., Selfe, J., Taylor, P. J., Shore, H. F., & Richards, J. D. (2016). Influence of a knee brace intervention on perceived pain and additionally patellofemoral loading in recreational athletes. Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon), 37, 7–12.

9. Sinclair, J. K., Vincent, H., & Richards, J. D. (2017). Effects of prophylactic knee bracing on knee joint kinetics and kinematics during netball specific movements. Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, 23, 93–98.