Relationships between lower limb proprioception and motor function, capacity and performance in children with upper motor neuron lesions: An exploratory study

Abstract

Aims: This exploratory study investigated relationships between three proprioceptive modalities - joint movement sense (JMS), joint position sense (JPS), and dynamic position sense (DPS) - assessed with the sensor-based Proprioception Measurement Tool (ProMeTo) and motor outcomes in children with upper motor neuron (UMN) lesions. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 48 children with UMN lesions (mean age 11.0 ± 3.5; 27 girls) were recruited. Diagnoses included cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, and other UMN-related conditions. Proprioception at the hip, knee, and ankle was assessed for JMS, JPS, and DPS. Motor outcomes included selective motor control, gait and balance, gross motor function, movement quality, and functional mobility. Statistical analyses comprised Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Spearman correlations (rho = ρ) tests. Results: Children who correctly identified all JMS directions across joints showed significantly better motor outcomes. Negligible to moderate correlations (ρ = 0.01-0.55) emerged between proprioceptive modalities and motor outcomes, with the strongest relationships found between JPS at the hip (ρ = 0.431-0.46) and ankle (ρ = 0.36-0.55) and outcomes related to motor function, movement quality, and mobility. Conclusions: Proprioceptive function, particularly JPS, shows moderate relationships with motor capacity and movement quality in children with UMN lesions. Further research is needed to confirm these associations and determine their clinical implications.