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 I
Subject 1 Eyes Opened Eyes Closed Missed Missed Subject 2 Touched Missed

Results III
Subject 1 Eyes Opened Eyes Closed Able to maintain balance Wobbled a bit Body shaking Feet wobbled uncontrollably Subject 2 Arms wobbled Legs swayed a bit Stable

Results II
Subject 1 Eyes Opened Body adjusts to the side of the foot on the ground Body wobbled Wobbled left and right Moves about rapidly Person cant seem to find center of gravity Subject 2 Foot on ground wobbled Body leaned towards the foot on the ground Swayed to the left Body wobbled uncontrolably

Eyes Closed

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