The nerves for this sense are in our joints. When we stimulate the joint nerves or “Proprioceptors,” a message gets sent to specific nerve cells in the brain called “Inhibitory Neurons.” The job of these nerve cells is to get rid of unnecessary information or “noise” in the brain. They serve as primary filters in the brain.
When our brains work properly, a sorting occurs of all the sensations bombarding the nervous system.
- A determination is made as to what is important while simultaneously figuring out what is unimportant.
- The unnecessary information then gets blocked or thrown away. The “proprioceptors” activate this filtering system in the brain. These nerves trigger brain cells that extinguish, or block the unnecessary stimuli.
Some grownups feel better after a long run or intense physical workout. They have charged up their proprioceptors and thus help organize or calm the brain. When children jump up and down, crawl and do many other moving activities the proprioception system activates these inhibitory nerves, thereby increasing the ability to pay attention and calm down.
Links to Activities that Fire up the Proprioceptive System for Organization are the following:
Proprioception for Babies
Wheelbarrow Walking
Jumping Rope
Scooters
Scooter and Plunger*
*Always use a plunger dedicated to this activity…NOT borrowed from the toilet!
Barrel
Crawling
Crab Walking
Bear Walking
Climbing
Lifting and Pushing Heavy Objects
Positioning
