The basics of sensorimotor skills: how sensory stimuli and motor reactions influence our daily lives

Sensorimotor function plays a central role in the complex interplay of sensory stimuli and motor reactions in the human organism. This well-coordinated process is crucial for optimal posture and the smooth realisation of movements. We will go on to explain the basics of sensorimotor function and its important role in medicine.

Sensorimotor function is made up of two main components: the sensory system, which is responsible for the perception of stimuli, and the motor system, which controls the corresponding motor reactions. The term 'sensorimotor function' describes the interaction of these sensory and motor functions. These processes are inextricably linked and form the essential basis for precise and adapted interaction between humans and their environment.

In the medical field, sensorimotor function plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and neurological disorders. A well-functioning sensorimotor system not only ensures joint stability, but also enables efficient muscle coordination for complex movement sequences. The definition of intramuscular coordination describes the interaction between the nervous system and the muscle fibres within a muscle and is essential for understanding the recruitment of muscle fibres to increase maximum strength. Therapists and doctors specifically rely on these findings to improve the sensorimotor skills of their patients.

Disorders in sensorimotor function can lead to various problems, including poor posture, balance disorders and motor impairments. This is why analysing and specifically promoting sensorimotor function is of central importance in medicine. Doctors and therapists diagnose disorders in the sensorimotor system and develop solutions to improve functionality. In this context, orthopaedic (shoe) technology plays a central role in the interdisciplinary network by offering customised aids such as insoles with a targeted sensorimotor effect.

To summarise, sensorimotor function is essential for human posture and movement. A deep understanding of this complex interplay is crucial in order to take targeted measures, recognise pathological changes and develop individual therapy approaches. This in-depth knowledge forms the essential basis for comprehensive and effective medical care in the field of musculoskeletal and neurological health.

Through targeted stimulation of the tendons of the long and short muscles in the foot, proprioceptors in the muscle belly and in the transition area from muscle to tendon influence the receptor signals. In response, the central nervous system regulates muscle tension, which in turn significantly influences the joint position and thus the statics. This leads to biomechanical torques that influence various dynamic processes such as foot and leg rotations. The targeted compensation of muscular imbalances makes a decisive contribution to the effective prevention of associated complaints.

This highly complex process generates a lasting training effect for the muscles, which potentially leads to the long-term correction of misalignments and functional deficits. The surface structure of proprio insoles is highly customised by experienced orthopaedic (shoe) technicians, based on extensive knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and specific requirements of individual patients. The insoles are manufactured with extreme precision using state-of-the-art CNC technology, which has the invaluable advantage that they can be reproduced down to the last detail. The shape of the insoles plays a crucial role in their effectiveness, as it ensures the correct alignment and support of the foot structure. They can also be produced in different material thicknesses depending on the individual shoe situation, even for particularly elegant shoe models.

In the world of sensorimotor foot orthoses, the high art of creating customised strategies is evident. The challenge is to design the elements of the insole in variable thicknesses and heights depending on the indication in order to enable customised activation or relaxation of the muscles.

For each patient, this means a unique customisation that is tailored to the indication, anatomy and movement pattern. Defining a clear treatment goal is the starting point, followed by detailed planning of how this goal can be achieved through the precisely designed surface anatomy of the foot orthosis.

The proprio brand plays a decisive role in this context. With hundreds of indication-related models, proprio not only guarantees the highest quality of care, but also supports orthopaedic professionals in quickly and systematically finding an effective solution for their patients. The variety of models provides professionals with the necessary tools to fulfil the individual needs of each patient precisely and efficiently. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of proprio, where innovation and precision form the basis for successful treatment.

The doctor diagnoses a functional or neurological gait disorder, often in conjunction with a foot malposition. The therapy services offered include both the treatment of foot malpositions and the analysis processes to improve sensorimotor function. A prerequisite for the prescription is a clear indication. According to the Fifth Social Security Code (SGB V), there is a legal entitlement to the care required in individual cases, even if the products are not listed in PG08.

If the health insurance company refuses to cover the costs, the patient has the right to lodge an objection in writing. You can find the relevant objection form on www.proprio.info.

The aim of the treatment is to minimise or eliminate the causes of functional complaints and gait disorders by modifying neuromuscular signals. As a rule, the aid number 08.03.07.0 "Customised foot orthoses for severe, painful and contracted foot deformities" applies.

Some health insurance funds have concluded individual contracts with the service providers and list "Proprioceptive insoles, customised" under their own aid numbers, for example 08.00.03.0701 AOK plus.