Age-related changes in proprioception and sensation of joint position

Abstract

With a clinical goniometer we measured the ability of 29 normal women to (a) reproduce the perceived position of each knee with that of the other knee, and (b) reproduce from memory the perceived resting position of each knee following its return to rest. Fifteen subjects were under 30 years old and 14 were over 60. The younger group scored higher in all trials. This study suggests the existence of an age-related change in proprioception and static joint position sensation in women and provides a basis for further investigation of contributory factors of musculoskeletal trauma in the elderly.