Practical exercises for thumb proprioception

Abstract

Previous research has stressed the relevance of proprioception in manual tasks when performing a variety of activities, such as buttoning a shirt, picking up small items, writing, and lifting objectswith different weights. It has been established that the distribution of mechanoreceptors corresponds to specific proprioceptive func- tions and the innervation of ligaments could differ among patients with different pathologies. This fact could have repercussion on the type of exercises and may be the objective for future research. Based on previously described proprioception assessment techniques, a thumb proprioceptive exercise protocol will be determined to address impairments, dysfunction, and any imbalance to be corrected.