Multiple joint proprioception in movement discrimination

  • Jia Han

    Student thesis: By Publication

    Abstract

    To produce precise and coordinated movements, the human brain processes proprioceptive information concurrently from multiple joints around the body. However, few studies have investigated proprioception across multiple joints independently or simultaneously in the one testing session, and the understanding of proprioceptive mechanisms that underlie functional movement control is limited. The aim of this thesis was to explore proprioceptive ability across multiple joints, using an active movement extent discrimination task involving movements that are similar to normal joint function in sports and daily activities. A series of seven studies was conducted that began with developing an active movement extent discrimination apparatus (AMEDA) for assessing the multiple joints involved in finger pinch proprioception. The studies utilized this and another four versions of the AMEDA to enable systematic investigation of proprioceptive acuity at five sites around the body – the ankle, knee, spine, shoulder and fingers – in both athletes and non-athletic healthy young adults.
    Date of Award2013
    Original languageEnglish
    SupervisorJudith Anson (Supervisor) & Gordon WADDINGTON (Supervisor)

    Cite this

    '