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Proprioceptive stimulation

Proprioception is "one's own" sense of relative position of the body and its neighbouring parts as well as strength of effort being employed in movement. It can also be described as position-movement sensation or physiologic feedback mechanism.

Proprioceptive sensation is constantly and subconsiously analysed and saved by the structures of the brain. This is the way how we, for example in our childhood, learn to walk - the brain commands a leg to move and analyses the feedback respectively. The basis for proper learning is physiological or "healthy" proprioception which reaches the brain from the peripheral nervous system.

Proprioceptive stimulation is one of the most important concepts in neurorehabiilitation. It is usually done by specially trained therapists. Certain devices - like therapeutical suits (see below) coming from Russian space medicine, pneumatical shoes (Vienna, Austria) or vibrostimualtion plates (Berlin, Germany) - are major help in this approach.

Dynamic proprioceptive correction

The outstanding effectiveness of the proprioceptive treatment is often provided through the application of a medical suit, which to a maximum extent increases the therapeutic effect of neurophysiological treatment exercises on the damaged central nervous system of the patient. The suit creates a virtual muscle framework, stabilizing the trunk and the extremities of the patient, reducing pathological synergies and normalizing patient's motor acts. As a stabilizing and loading suit it is adjustable individually, according to the form and features of cerebral palsy, as well as to the specifics of overall condition of the patient.

Construction and purpose

The suit is essentially a system of supporting units, consisting of shoulder pads or a vest, a wide waist belt or shorts, knee pads and shoes. Its support elements are interconntected with elastic units, their pattern is similar to the location of the antagonistic muscles (flexors, extensors), rotation and other muscles. The suit contains units serving various functions, among those are correction of the feet or head control. Each of the elastic ties is adjustable, so that the body and the legs can be loaded axially within 15 to 40 kg. The adjustable ties also allow to vary the patient's posture and the position of his or her limbs. More specifically, it is possible to preset the initial angles in the major joints, bend and unbend the trunk of the patient.

The effects

The principle of action is the targeted correction of the patient's posture and movements by means of the supporting and adjusting elements of the suit. This creates a powerful normalizing flow of afferent pulses and influences the motor center of the brain in order to restore its impaired functions.
Consequently, the established pathological synergies are destroyed and new normalizing reflex sequences are created, which exercise therapeutic effects on the structures of the central nervous system responsible for motor activity and speech. Of great importance is the fact that the achievements of the proprioceptive treatment are retained after the rehabilitation course.

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