The effects of aging on proprioception and kinesthesia

The role of proprioception and kinesthesia in motor control and learning, balance and posture, adaptability, and coordination has been well established in literature and clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of age on proprioceptive and kinesthetic accuracy and response time. Three age groups of thirty subjects each, ninety total, were selected from a volunteer group of 120 after pre-screening for health factors that would influence the results. Each was tested for passive and active degree of accuracy and response time at the ankle joint (subtalar) using a proprioceptometer (goniometric measuring device) and stopwatch. Results showed no change in proprioceptive or kinesthetic accuracy with age, an increase in response time in the middle age group, and greater accuracy and response time in active movement over passive movement regardless of age. Recommendations include practice and emphasis on central processing of proprioceptive and kinesthetic input as opposed to facilitating sensory input