Proprioception and You: Understanding Proprioception in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

The sense of proprioception (part of the sensory system along with the tactile and vestibular systems) uses unconscious information from the muscles and joints to give awareness of body position. This sense makes it possible for a child to guide her arm without watching the complete range of movement. The proprioceptive sense automatically adjusts the body position to prevent a child from falling out of a chair (also known as righting reactions), and also allows a child to manipulate a pencil or comb.

The sense of proprioception develops from continuous sensory experiences, beginning in the womb and continuing as children interact with their environment and engage in physical activity such as tummy time, crawling, and playing. The development of the proprioceptive sense relies on neurodevelopmental processes. For most children, this occurs during normal maturation and day-to-day play.

Physical activities that provide resistance and deep pressure input, such as pushing, lifting, and other heavy muscle work, help strengthen the body’s map and can help refine the ability to use the body effectively. 

For some children who may have difficulty with balance and posture, coordination, appear overactive or crave rough play, using excess force when writing or closing doors, their sense of proprioception may be out of whack.  Rarely does one sensory system function without the others, so it may be worth consulting with a pediatric occupational therapist if you feel your child is having difficulty with the mentioned areas.

Activities to do at home to address the proprioceptive system include: 

• Jumping

• Pushing heavy laundry baskets or chairs

• Carrying grocery bags

• Walking across surfaces of different heights

• Animal walks

• Rolling and squishing Play-Doh

• Outside play

Written by Carol Rozzo, MS, OTR/L