Effect of fatigue on joint position sense of the knee

Abstract

This study was designed to test position sense of the knee joint before and after fatigue in order to determine whether muscle or capsular receptors are the primary sensors for joint position sense. Reproduction of passive positioning and detection of the onset of motion (kinesthesia) were employed to measure joint position sense. Eleven subjects underwent joint position sense measurement before and after a fatigue protocol. A significant worsening of reproduction of knee joint angle after fatigue was noted (p less than 0.05). Threshold (kinesthesia) showed no statistically significant change after fatigue. A significant correlation of reproduction measurements and threshold measurements prior to fatigue (p less than 0.01) demonstrated that the same neural mechanism is applicable in the rested state, but these variables did not correlate significantly after fatigue. There was a significant correlation between reproduction measurements before and after fatigue (p = 0.018), while no correlation was seen for the pre- and postfatigue threshold measurements, suggesting a change in the neural path after fatigue. Since both tests of joint position sense are affected by fatigue, we conclude that muscle receptors are a prominent, if not primary, determinant of joint position sense, and capsular receptors may have a secondary role. Reproduction ability is decreased, presumably through the loss of efficiency of muscle receptors. The threshold data suggest a change in the mechanism of appreciation after fatigue, possibly due to increased sensitivity of capsular receptors from muscle-fatigue-induced laxity.

Proprioception assessment in subjects with idiopathic loss of shoulder range of motion: Joint position sense and a novel proprioceptive feedback index

“…In studies exploring JPS at the shoulder in uniplane movements, the repositioning errors ranged from 28 to 58. 24,26,27 Suprak and colleagues 25 examined JPS on unconstrained shoulder movements and reported 48 to 98. We demonstrated the errors ranged from 38 to 108.…”

Effects of Taping on Wrist Extensor Force and Joint Position Reproduction Sense of Subjects With and Without Lateral Epicondylitis

“…Muscle fatigue and strain affect proprioception [12][13][14] . Based on the early descriptions by Sherrington and others, the sense of joint position, kinesthesia (perception of active and passive motion), and sense of tension or force are considered submodalities of proprioception 15) .…”

“…The GTOs are particularly well suited for providing reliable information on muscle force 18) . Joint position sense originates from peripheral mechanoreceptors located in the skin, muscle, and surrounding joint structures 19) .Muscle fatigue and strain damage the muscle spindle, decrease motor unit output, and reduce the force-producing capacity of the neuromuscular system 12,13,19) . Consequently, muscle fatigue surrounding a joint may inhibit the proprioceptive muscle feedback system 19) .…”

Stabilometric response during single-leg stance after lower limb muscle fatigue

“…As a consequence, perception deficits may hinder postural control and influence balance 1 . According to some studies, orthopedic injuries 2 , vestibular disorders 3 , and fatiguing exercises 4 can affect proprioception 5,6 and therefore also postural control 7 .…”

“…Disorders of the perceptual system can also increase the risk of ligament injury, especially around the knees and ankles 5,6,12 , given the relevant role of these joints in postural control and the maintenance of balance.…”