Propriception Training

Propriception refers to the body’s ability to sense the position and location of its parts so that it can govern their orientation and movements. It is this sense that allows the body to perform both simple and complex movements without looking and to allow us to know when our limbs are in space. The propriception system is a crucial element in an individual’s co-ordination, an attribute that is an integral element of sport and in particular football, as many complex and a quick movements are required to be performed, often simultaneously.

The brain receives signals from the receptor nerves that are located in all of the muscles, joints and ligaments within the body. These nerves detect when the each bodily component is placed under any stress and strain, the brain can then, subconsciously, decide how to act; whether to contract or relax the muscles or to move the joint. However during times of injury these signals from the nerves can become obstructed or, in extreme injuries, non-existent, as the nerves themselves (as well as the surrounding area) become damaged.

Some injuries can leave the nerves permanently damaged (slightly or totally), and as a result this decreases the propriception system in that region. Therefore the affected region may become more susceptible to re-injury or even experience a reduced level of co-ordination. However there are some exercises and training programmes that can be implemented to help improve the damaged nerves and affected area, so that fitness and co-ordination can be returned back to their maximum obtainable level. This in turn can reduce the risk of repeatedly injuring that region.

Propriception training looks to focus on the propriception system to improve and enhance it so that that athlete’s performance does not become impaired due to an injury sustained. Unlike some training and rehabilitation programmes this form of training can occur immediately after the injury or, at the very latest, when the pain allows.