Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
07:42
A Simple Non-invasive Method for Temporary Knockdown of Upper Limb Proprioception
Published on: March 3, 2018
Trials needed to assess knee proprioception following stroke.
Pagamas Piriyaprasarth1, Meg E Morris, Clare Delany
1School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Summary
Determining knee proprioception after stroke requires at least 10 trials. Fewer trials may miss significant joint position sense and movement sense deficits in stroke survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Biomechanics
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- Stroke frequently causes sensory impairments, including deficits in proprioception.
- Knee joint position sense and movement sense are crucial for motor control and recovery post-stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal number of trials for accurately assessing knee proprioception in stroke patients.
- To identify clinically significant impairments in knee joint position sense and movement sense following stroke.
Main Methods:
- Proprioception was assessed in 33 stroke patients using 10 trials per condition.
- Testing included sitting and supine positions with verbal response and contralateral limb matching techniques.
- Participant age ranged from 37 to 87 years.
Main Results:
- 46% of participants exhibited a proprioceptive deficit.
- The number of trials needed to detect deficits varied significantly between individuals and testing positions.
- Using fewer than 10 trials, particularly 3 trials, risked missing a substantial percentage of patients with deficits.
Conclusions:
- At least 10 trials are recommended for reliable assessment of knee joint position sense and movement sense in stroke survivors.
- This number of trials ensures accurate quantification of proprioceptive deficits in both sitting and supine positions.
