Upper extremity proprioceptive training

Proprioception following lower extremity injuries is commonly recommended, but there is little information on proprioception training following upper extremity injuries. No studies have evaluated whether proprioception programs for athletes in open kinetic chain activities (throwing, shot putting) should be different than programs for athletes in closed kinetic chain activities (gymnastics, swimming, kayaking, or rowing). In this paper, we provide a rationale for proprioception training for upper extremity injuries in athletes and the importance of analyzing the athlete's sport and activity for specificity of proprioception exercises. We then discuss one popular proprioception exercise, rhythmic stabilization, and propose several additional upper extremity proprioception exercises, along with instructions for the athletic trainer on how to direct the athlete through these exercises.