Review Article

Proprioception and Aging

Ioannis P. Visvardis^1,2, Christos P. Zafeiris^2,3

1. Internal Medicine Department, ΕΚΑ National Rehabilitation Center, Athens, Greece
2. Postgraduate program «Metabolic Bone Diseases», Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
3. Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

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Keywords: Assessment, Functional evaluation, Older adults, Proprioception, Third age

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Abstract

Maintaining balance and postural control is of central importance for the older adults, since it is associated with falls and subsequent health problems. The onset of mobility impairments is usually assessed by checking for limitations in daily activities, underlying to importance of further evaluation. Calculation of proprioception is based on tests assessing the level of somatosensory functionality, by using balance and gait tests and through the single limb postural stability test. Functional evaluation is carried out by several means, such as the Get up and Go or Functional Reach tests, the Tinetti Balance and Mobility Scale, the Berg Functional Scale, the Sensory Organization Test and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Many interventions lead to positive effects, such as physical exercise, balance training, empowerment or strength training, combined balance and strengthening training, general exercises, tai chi. These interventions improve balance, enhance balance mechanisms of the older adults, lead to improved physical health and better mental health. Thus, it is of most importance for health professionals to use evaluations for proprioception in the older adults and to apply subsequent interventions.

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