Dental primary afferent (DPA) neurons and proprioceptive mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MTN) neurons, located in the trigeminal ganglion and the brainstem, respectively, are essential for controlling masticatory functions. Despite extensive transcriptomic studies on various somatosensory neurons, there is still a lack of knowledge about the molecular identities of these populations due to technical challenges in their circuit-validated isolation. Here, we employed high-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in combination with retrograde tracing in mice to identify intrinsic transcriptional features of DPA and MTN neurons. Our transcriptome analysis revealed five major types of DPA neurons with cell type-specific gene enrichment, some of which exhibit unique mechano-nociceptive properties capable of transmitting nociception in response to innocuous mechanical stimuli in the teeth. Furthermore, we discovered cellular heterogeneity within MTN neurons that potentially contribute to their responsiveness to mechanical stretch in the masseter muscle spindles. Additionally, DPA and MTN neurons represented sensory compartments with distinct molecular profiles characterized by various ion channels, receptors, neuropeptides, and mechanoreceptors. Together, our study provides new biological insights regarding the highly specialized mechanosensory functions of DPA and MTN neurons in pain and proprioception.
Animals ; Mice ; Neurons ; Proprioception ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Pain ; Sequence Analysis, RNA

For a basketball player who had scapholunate interosseous ligament injury related to sport, it is crucial to secure the active range of motion (ROM) and regain proprioception of the wrist. The player was involved in a 21-week rehabilitation procedure based on controlling pain with inactive treatments, restoring the wrist ROM with active treatments. We measured the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, upper extremity functional outcome measurement (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [DASH]) for the functionality, and active ROMs of the wrist. The VAS was decreased (after surgical treatment, 8.7; 1 week, 2.5; 12 week, 3–5; 21 week, 0). The DASH score was decreased when he returned to play (after surgical treatment, 78; end of the rehabilitation, 23). Wrist flexion and extension ROM were increased to 55° and 67°, respectively. To restore the function of the wrist for basketball performance, improvement of active ROM and proprioception is the primary goal to return to play.
Arm ; Basketball ; Hand ; Ligaments ; Proprioception ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Rehabilitation ; Return to Sport ; Shoulder ; Sports ; Upper Extremity ; Visual Analog Scale ; Wrist

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and correlation of electroacupuncture combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on proprioception and motor function of lower limbs in stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 96 stroke patients were randomized into an electroacupuncture (EA) group, a PNF group and a combination group, 32 cases in each one. In the EA group, acupuncture was applied at cephalic motor and sensory areas, Huantiao (GB 30), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on affected side, and electroacupuncture was adopted at Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Xuanzhong (GB 39), continuous wave and 2 Hz in frequency for 20 min, once every day. In the PNF group, PNF was performed for 20 min, once a day. In the combination group, electroacupuncture was given before PNF, once a day. 4 weeks as one course and totally 3 courses were required, the effect was followed up after half a year. Before treatment, after 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the average trace error (ATE) and Time, the scores of Fugl-Meyer scale (FMA) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were observed in the 3 groups. Correlation analysis between ATE, Time and FMA was performed. RESULTS: ① The total effective rate in the combination group was 90.3% (28/31), which was superior to 64.5% (20/31) in the EA group and 62.5% (20/32) in the PNF group (<0.05). ②After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the ATE and Time in the 3 groups were reduced compared with before treatment (<0.05, <0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the ATE in the combination group were lower than the EA group and the PNF group (<0.05, <0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the Time in the combination group were lower than the EA group and the PNF group (<0.05, <0.01). ③After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the EA group and the combination group were increased compared with before treatment (<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the PNF group were increased compared with before treatment (<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the FMA scores in the combination group were higher than the EA group and the PNF group (<0.05, <0.01). ④After 4, 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the 3 groups were increased compared with before treatment (<0.01). After 8, 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the combination group were higher than the EA group (<0.01). After 12 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the MBI scores in the combination group were higher than the PNF group (<0.01). ⑤ The correlation coefficients of ATE, Time and FMA were from 0.4 to 0.75 (<0.05), suggesting a moderate intensity correlation. CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture, PNF and combination therapy can improve proprioception and motor function of lower limbs and activities of daily living, and combination therapy has a better effect. Proprioception and motor function have a strong correlation in the recovery of stroke patients.
Activities of Daily Living ; Electroacupuncture ; methods ; Hemiplegia ; therapy ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Proprioception ; Stroke ; complications ; Stroke Rehabilitation ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To compare balance performance and lower limb muscle strength between older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), with and without sensory impairments and non-DM groups. Influence of a number of sensory impairments, and muscle strength on balance performance were explored. METHODS: Ninety-two older adults with and without type 2 DM, were examined relative to visual function with the Snellen chart, Melbourne Edge test, and Howard-Dolman test, vestibular function with the modified Romberg test, proprioception of the big toe, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy with the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Balance performances were evaluated with the Romberg test, Functional Reach Test (FRT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Strength of knee and ankle muscles was measured. RESULTS: FRT of type 2 DM groups with at least two sensory impairments, was lower than the non-DM group (p<0.05). TUG of all DM groups, was worse than the non-DM group (p<0.01). Lower limb muscle strength of type 2 DM groups with two and three sensory impairments, was weaker than non-DM group (p<0.05). Regression analysis showed that type 2 DM with three sensory impairments, ankle dorsiflexors strength, and age were influential predictors of TUG. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences, of muscle strength and balance performance among groups. Poorer balance and reduced lower limb strength were marked in older adults with type 2 DM, even ones without sensory impairment. Muscle weakness seemed to progress, from the distal part of lower limbs. A greater number of sensory impairments, weaker dorsiflexors, and advanced age influenced balance performance.
Adult ; Aged ; Ankle ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Hallux ; Humans ; Knee ; Lower Extremity ; Mass Screening ; Michigan ; Muscle Strength ; Muscle Weakness ; Muscles ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Proprioception ; Vestibular Function Tests

PURPOSE: This examined the effect of Kinesio taping pre-intervention on the pain, tenderness, proprioceptive sensation, and muscle strength associated with delayed onset muscle soreness. METHODS: Thirty subjects were divided into a Kinesio taping application group of 15 subjects and a control non-taped group of 15 subjects, and the changes in individual variables were analyzed before taping and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after taping using two-way repeated ANOVA. Post-hoc t-tests were conducted in the cases with intergroup interactions, and the significance level α was set to α=0.01. RESULTS: The changes in pain during rest were significantly different only for the times, while the changes in pain during exercise were significantly different for the times, interactions between the times and groups, and intergroup changes (p<0.05). The changes in tenderness were significantly different for the times and for interactions between the times and groups (p<0.05). The changes in proprioceptive sensation were significantly different for the times, interactions between times and groups, and intergroup changes (p<0.05). The changes in muscle strength were significantly different only for the times (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of Kinesio taping had positive effects on the pain, tenderness, and proprioceptive sensation of delayed onset muscle soreness. These results suggest that Kinesio taping can be a useful therapeutic factor in future studies and in clinical settings.
Muscle Strength ; Myalgia ; Proprioception ; Sensation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for injury prevention and rehabilitation program development of Taekwondo demonstration team by comparing lower extremity muscles function and proprioceptive senses of Taekwondo demonstration team with or without anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The subjects were ACL injured Taekwondo demonstration player group (ATD, n=13) who underwent ACL reconstruction and Kukkiwon Taekwondo demonstration player group (KTD, n=13) without injury history.METHODS: To evaluate the lower extremity muscles function, we measured the flexor-extensor muscle strength ratio and isokinetic muscle strength of the knee joint using a isokinetic muscle strength measuring device. In order to investigate the proprioceptive sensory function, position sense, and threshold to detection of passive motion was using a isokinetic muscle strength measuring device. The experiment was conducted on average 26 months after surgery.RESULTS: The results of this study are as follows. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the knee joint flexor-extensor ratio. But there was a significant difference in Knee joint flexion and extension strength between two groups at an angular velocity of 60°/sec, 180°/sec, and 300°/sec. and KTD group was higher than ATD groups (p=0.014, p=0.001, p=0.029, p=0.005, p=0.043, p=0.041, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the proprioceptive sensory test.CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the normal flexor to extensor ratio (50%–70%), But it was close to the injury risk level. Therefore, the training program for the improvement of the muscle strength and the imbalance of the strength of the lower extremity muscle function should be performed in both groups.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; Education ; Knee Joint ; Lower Extremity ; Muscle Strength ; Muscles ; Program Development ; Proprioception ; Rehabilitation ; Sensation

Functional knee braces are commonly prescribed to support anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current literature on the use of functional knee braces of ACL with respect to biomechanical, clinical and functional outcomes. A literature search was conducted (2000 to 2017) by two independent reviewers using PubMed MEDLINE database. Articles were retrieved by an electronic search using keywords (anterior cruciate ligament, brace, and bracing) and their combinations. Current functional braces used to treat ACL injury were identified. Studies that met inclusion criteria were assessed for pertinent data. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Functional knee brace reportedly did not improve long-term clinical and functional outcomes following ACL reconstruction, but some studies suggest that functional brace may have some benefit with regard to biomechanics, proprioception, and subsequent injury rates. Functional knee brace after ACL reconstruction was found no significant difference in clinical and functional outcomes. But Further large-scale recent studies will be required to determine long-term outcomes of the brace.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament* ; Braces* ; Knee ; Ligaments ; Proprioception

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of treadmill training with eyes open (TEO) and closed (TEC) on the knee joint position sense (JPS), functional balance and mobility in children with spastic diplegia. METHODS: Forty-five children with spastic diplegia aged 11–13 years participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to three groups of equal number. The control group (CON) underwent designed physical therapy program whereas, the study groups (TEO and TEC) underwent the same program, in addition to treadmill gait training with eyes open and closed, respectively. Outcome measures were the degree of knee joint position error, functional balance and mobility. Measurements were taken before and after 12 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: After training, the three groups showed statistically significant improvement in all measured outcomes, compared to the baseline with non-significant change in the knee JPS in the CON group. When comparing posttreatment results, the TEC group showed greater significant improvement in all measured outcomes, than the TEO and CON groups. CONCLUSION: Treadmill training with eyes open and closed is effective in rehabilitation of children with diplegia, but blocked vision treadmill training has more beneficial effect.
Cerebral Palsy* ; Child* ; Gait ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; Knee* ; Muscle Spasticity* ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Proprioception* ; Rehabilitation

PURPOSE: Most studies have reported pain in the head-neck and upper-limbs according to smartphone usage, which is related to the proprioception sense in the head and neck, but there have been few studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was identify the adverse effects of the proprioceptive sense in the head-neck according to smartphone usage. METHODS: Twenty-seven young adults (male: 9, female: 18) were enrolled in this study. The proprioceptive sense was measured through the joint reposition sense error and neural positon error in the head-neck during smartphone usage for 0, 5, and 20 minutes. The Noraxon MyoMotion system was used to record the joint position angle and neutral positon in the head-neck. One-way repeated ANOVA was used to identify the differences between the three smartphone use durations and the least-squares difference was used as a post hoc test. The data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software. RESULTS: The joint reposition sense error and neural positon error in the head-neck were significantly different among the 0, 5, and 20 minutes of smartphone usage (p < 0.05). In the post hoc test, the joint reposition sense error and neural positon error showed a significant difference between smartphone use for 0 minute and 5 minute, and between smartphone use for 0 minute and 20 minutes. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that smartphone use within 5 minutes can have adverse effects on the proprioceptive sense. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the appropriate use time and break time when using smart phones.
Female ; Head ; Humans ; Joints ; Neck ; Proprioception ; Smartphone* ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment on pain and balance in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy.METHOD: This study included twenty-five patients who were diagnosed with chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy. They underwent PRF treatment in prone position under the fluoroscopic guidance. The effect of PRF was measured by the visual analog score (VAS). Patient ability to balance was evaluated by using the Tetra-ataxiometric posturography (Tetrax).RESULTS: After PRF all patients showed improvement in pain as measured by VAS (p < 0.001) and none of the patients reported any side effects. The posturographic balance, which was evaluated by Tetrax showed no significant decline after PRF treatment. The weight distribution index (WDI) with eyes open before treatment was 5.43 ± 2.88 and after treatment was 5.37 ± 2.65 (p=0.917). The mean stability index (SI) with eyes open before treatment was 16.52 ± 6.05 and after treatment was 16.61 ± 4.85 (p=0.906). The mean WDI with eyes closed before treatment was 5.66 ± 2.81 and after treatment was 5.16 ± 2.70 (p=0.470). Finally, the mean SI with eyes closed before was 25.88 ± 9.88 and after treatment was 25.99 ± 12.30 (p=0.962).CONCLUSION: The results suggest that PRF has an effect on pain in patients with chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy. The patients did not experience adverse effects, such as hypoesthesia, dysesthesia and decreased proprioception after PRF, and there were no significant declines in balance.
Humans ; Hypesthesia ; Methods ; Paresthesia ; Postural Balance ; Prone Position ; Proprioception ; Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment ; Radiculopathy