Proprioception is the ability to perceive the state of contraction of muscles and to recognise the spatial orientation. This ability is essential for the body to perceive its own position in space without the support of sight, as signals in the muscular system that the tendons and skin transmit to the brain are used. These receptors are called ‘proprioceptive’ and receive and encode signals from the outside world, helping the body to perform motor responses of varying complexity. But that’s not all: they also allow visualisation of the body’s position in space

After an injury, you may no longer feel a joint as part of your body: this sensation is due to a dysfunction of the nervous system. That is when proprioception therapy comes to the rescue: with a series of targeted exercises, movement deficits are compensated for by progressive and controllable stimuli. Such exercises can also be used to increase one’s athletic performance.

Proprioception exercises are not only useful for sporty people, but they are also valuable allies for degenerative diseases in the elderly; in fact, the use of proprioceptive mats helps to re-stimulate motor skills in order to keep them efficient and reduce the risk of falls in the elderly.

The proprioceptive platform is also used to activate posture control and to exercise balance, especially to counteract more sedentary lifestyles.

Proprioceptive boards have different purposes depending on the medical condition. With them, proprioception is stimulated with exercises that create situations of instability. By climbing onto the footplate, the patient must reactivate the muscles to regain balance, making postural adjustments with foot support. The injured part, therefore, is subjected to continuous controlled stresses in which the foot is placed on oscillating or stable planes, depending on the need for the exercise.

All this must be done without shoes, so as to stimulate proprioceptive perceptions. If the exercises with the proprioceptive board are done correctly, the co-ordination in the bony levers and muscle contractions returns to function, ensuring fluid and linear movement again.

A proprioceptive platform is a round tilt table with which to do exercises to load and unload the body, stimulating the neuro-motor apparatus and awakening damaged muscles and joints.  The aim, therefore, is to restore the body’s balance in space. Various types exist on the market. Let us look at them together:

• Balance cushion: one of the most comfortable models, made of PVC, it is durable and non-slip. It is especially recommended for beginners. Equipped with an easy-to-use hand pump, it produces continuous instability that strengthens the internal musculature
•  Wooden balance board: suitable for strengthening muscles and joints, especially in cases of sports rehabilitation. Can hold up to 100 kg
• Balance station with handles: it is very easy to use and is perfect for balancing exercises, training leg, abdomen and back muscles and improving posture. The grooved surface ensures a good grip for the foot, thus preventing loss of balance, while the presence of the handles makes it easy to carry.

Electronic proprioceptive board: this type creates an unstable balance situation and automatically adapts it to the situation of the person using it. One of the models on our site can be used: in physiotherapy to improve balance and stability by reducing visual dependency and eliminating compensations of the upper body districts; in sports to enhance athletic performance, maintain postural control and prevent injuries.

Proprioceptive boards are very versatile and can be used in several physiotherapy exercises. Not only does it increase the power of athletic performance, but it also helps to regain control of one’s joints following trauma or surgery. With a series of exercises designed especially for patients, the proprioceptive platform reactivates postural control and stability, enhances athletic performance, and helps prevent injuries.

These instruments are particularly indicated in the following cases:

• Following ankle sprains or surgery
• Following knee sprains or surgery
• In case of lack of trunk control due to neurological problems or vertebral fractures
• Following wrist fractures
• To prevent falls in the elderly person

Should there be trauma to bone, muscle, or ligaments, venous thrombosis or pressure problems, this therapy is absolutely to be avoided.