The Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Training for Improving Motor Performance and Motor Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveProprioceptive training is any intervention aiming to improve proprioceptive function with the ultimate goal to enhance motor function and performance. It has been promoted as an approach to enhance athletic performance and as a tool for sensorimotor rehabilitation. Numerous studies sought to provide evidence on the effectiveness of the approach. However, many different training regimes claiming to train proprioception report a variety of sensorimotor measures that are not directly comparable. This, in turn, makes it difficult to assess effectiveness across approaches. It is the objective of this study to systematically review recent empirical evidence to gain an understanding of which outcome measures are most sensitive, which populations may benefit most from proprioceptive training, and what are the effects on proprioceptive and motor systems.MethodsFour major databases were searched. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) A quantified pre- and post-treatment measure of proprioceptive function. (2) An intervention or training program believed to influence or enhance proprioceptive function. (3) Contained at least one form of treatment or outcome measure that is indicative of somatosensory function and not confounded by information from other sensory modalities. 4) The study reported of at least one quantified measure of motor performance.ResultsOf the 3,297 articles identified by the database search, 70 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for further review. Across studies, proprioceptive training led to comparable gains in both proprioceptive (+46%) and motor performance (+45%). The majority of studies (50/70) applied active movement interventions. Interventions applying somatosensory stimulation were most successful in clinical populations. Joint position sense error (JPSE) was the most commonly used proprioceptive measure and presents a reliable and feasible measure for clinical use.ConclusionProprioceptive training can lead to significant improvements in proprioceptive and motor function across a range healthy and clinical populations. Regimens requiring active movement of the trainee tended to be most successful in improving sensorimotor performance. Conclusive evidence on how long training gains are retained is still lacking. There is no solid evidence about the underlying long-term neuroplastic changes associated proprioceptive training

International genome-wide meta-analysis identifies new primary biliary cirrhosis risk loci and targetable pathogenic pathways.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a classical autoimmune liver disease for which effective immunomodulatory therapy is lacking. Here we perform meta-analyses of discovery data sets from genome-wide association studies of European subjects (n=2,764 cases and 10,475 controls) followed by validation genotyping in an independent cohort (n=3,716 cases and 4,261 controls). We discover and validate six previously unknown risk loci for PBC (Pcombined<5 × 10(-8)) and used pathway analysis to identify JAK-STAT/IL12/IL27 signalling and cytokine-cytokine pathways, for which relevant therapies exist

Dyad motor learning in a wrist-robotic environment: Learning together is better than learning alone

Background: Dyad motor learning is characterized by two learners alternating between physical and observational practice. Although empirical evidence shows that dyad learning leads to superior outcomes compared to physical practice alone when learning complex motor tasks, it has not been established as a rehabilitation tool. This study aims to determine the effects of dyad learning on motor performance in a wrist-robotic environment to evaluate its potential use in rehabilitation. Methods: Forty-two participants were randomized into three groups (N=14): Dyad learning, physical practice and control. Participants practiced a 2 degree-of-freedom gamified motor task for 20 trials using a custom made wrist-robotic device. Motor performance was measured at baseline, the end of training, and 24 hour retention. Results: Motor performance did not differ between groups at baseline and all groups improved their performance compared to baseline (p<0.05). However, the dyad group outperformed the other groups at the end of training (p=0.001; Cohen’s d=0.954) and at retention (p=0.012; d=0.617). Conclusion: Compared to physical practice alone, practicing collaboratively by alternating between physical and observational practice leads to superior motor outcomes after practicing a robot-aided gamified motor task. Dyad learning may be a valuable tool in rehabilitation settings that leads to improved patient motor outcomes.Winter, Leoni V.; Panzer, Stefan; Konczak, Jürgen. (2023). Dyad motor learning in a wrist-robotic environment: Learning together is better than learning alone. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/256006