PROPRIOCEPTION WITH THE PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT OF THE INDEX FINGER

• DOI: 10.1093/brain/109.6.1195
• Publication Date: 2007-01-04T09:37:03Z
• Authors: F. J. CLARK; R. C. BURGESS; J. W. CHAPIN
• Keywords: Proprioception; Interphalangeal Joint; Metacarpophalangeal joint; Middle finger; Hand position

Proprioceptive ability with the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of index finger in human subjects was examined using a method that could assess staticposition sense independently movement (Clark et al., 1985). The similarity location function these would suggest similar proprioceptive mechanisms, but found to be quite different for two joints. distinguishing static-position from based on whether subject's detect small change joint position impaired when rate rotation progressively reduced. An awareness should not depend at which is placed into position. However, if use signals changes position, slowing displacement reduce intensity make displacements more difficult This indicated MCP only PIP It confirmed sensory input regions skin stretched or deformed by can influence sensibility fingers. Anaesthesia tip thumb blunted subjects' perceptions finger. anaesthesia itself had no observable effect joint.