Update on proprioception: considerations for dance education

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J Dance Med Sci. 2009;13(2):35-41.

Update on proprioception: considerations for dance education.

Batson G.

Associate Professor in the Program in Physical Therapy, Winston-Salem State

University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Proprioception is a topic of interest within the larger scope of dance pedagogy,

science, and rehabilitation. As the science of proprioception changes,

approaches to proprioceptive training also change. Thus, proprioceptive training

in dance medicine has expanded to include balance protocols.

A key concept within these protocols for treatment of lower extremity injuries

is perturbation. Perturbation training is designed to evoke focal neuromuscular

control at injured joint sites, as well as more global postural responses for

overall balance and coordination. This article provides an update on the science

of proprioception within the framework of postural control and balance. Specific

practices from rehabilitation that integrate balance exercises into

proprioceptive training are considered. Further research is needed to test the

efficacy and utility of these exercises within the context of the dance studio.