Section 271 of 440
Complete canonical tutorial. This reader section contains the same teaching body as PWR-089 · Proprioceptive accuracy. Open the Power dossier.
PWR-089 · SUPERVISED full tutorial
Match one joint position under a clinician’s measured, supported protocol
Proprioception includes information about body position and movement. A clinician can teach a joint-position matching task while controlling the joint, target angle, vision, support, speed and number of attempts. The learner learns to attend to the position, stop at the remembered target and read the error record. This is not a home neurological test or a reason to remove braces, tape or mobility aids.
1 · Permission and limits
Know exactly what you may do
2 · Get ready
Gather what you need and check the starting conditions
What you need
- Provider-approved position-measurement device, support surface and reproducible target-angle protocol.
- Four-column angle table labelled target, response, signed error = response−target and absolute error = |response−target|, with separate overshoot and undershoot counts.
- Vision screen only if the provider judges it safe, plus a response cue and trial record.
- The learner’s usual brace, seating, communication and mobility supports unless the provider changes them for a documented reason.
Before you start
- Tell the provider about pain, swelling, instability, recent injury or surgery, numbness, weakness and medication changes.
- Agree the joint, movement direction, comfortable range, target, support and immediate stop signal.
- The provider records whether movement is active, passive or matched with the opposite limb.
3 · The method
Follow these steps in order
- Define one matching task
With the provider, name the joint, starting position, direction, target and whether the learner moves actively or the provider positions the limb.
Why: Proprioceptive error is specific to the exact task.
Check: The configuration fits in one reproducible sentence.
- Support and measure the start
The provider aligns the joint and measuring device, supports the limb and verifies a comfortable start position.
Why: Poor alignment or unsupported effort can create both error and symptoms.
Check: The start angle and support are recorded without strain.
- Learn the target with vision
Move to or receive the target position once with vision available. Hold briefly and describe where pressure, stretch or joint relation is felt.
Why: A familiarisation trial connects the target with available position cues.
Check: The learner can return to start and state the target rule.
- Match without target feedback
When the provider gives the cue, move or say stop at the remembered position under the declared vision condition. Do not make repeated searching movements.
Why: One committed match produces a measurable error rather than a coached correction.
Check: A single stop position is captured for the trial.
- Calculate signed and absolute error
The provider subtracts target angle from response angle, then records direction of error and its absolute size.
Why: Direction reveals overshoot or undershoot; absolute error summarises distance from target.
Check: Each trial has target, response, signed error and absolute error.
- Separate directional bias from spread
Count positive signed errors as overshoots and negative signed errors as undershoots. Report mean absolute error and the smallest-to-largest response range; never average positive and negative signed errors to make them cancel.
Why: A repeated overshoot needs a different correction from inconsistent responses on both sides of the target.
Check: The provider can see whether the block shows one directional bias, broad variability or neither before choosing feedback.
- Repair and retest one variable
Use provider feedback to correct the largest repeatable error, then run a matched block. Change support, joint or target only as a labelled transfer test.
Why: Matched retesting shows learning; changing the configuration tests something new.
Check: The second block preserves the task or explicitly labels the changed variable.
4 · Worked example
See the whole method used once
Scenario
A physiotherapist runs a supported right-wrist extension matching task with a 20-degree target.
Walkthrough
- The therapist screens the wrist, keeps the prescribed support and records active movement with eyes screened only during scored attempts.
- Amir views and reaches the 20-degree target once, then returns to neutral.
- On three scored trials he stops at 27, 24 and 25 degrees.
- The therapist records signed errors +7, +4 and +5 and absolute errors 7, 4 and 5 degrees; three positive signs identify repeated overshoot rather than cancellation.
- After feedback to stop at the first clear target sensation, Amir completes a matched block rather than changing the target.
Result
Amir’s first-block mean absolute error is 5.3 degrees for this supported wrist task. It does not describe another joint, tissue safety, pain cause or functional balance.
5 · Right and wrong
Compare correct or safer execution with the common wrong version
| Moment | Right / safer | Wrong / riskier | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Keep joint, target, direction, support and vision rule fixed. | Compare different joints or angles as one score. | Joint-position accuracy is configuration-specific. |
| Movement | Make one smooth match and stop once. | Hunt back and forth until the angle feels exact. | Searching adds extra information and changes the task. |
| Error | Record overshoot/undershoot and absolute size. | Report only the best trial. | All valid attempts are needed to see bias and variability. |
| Aid | Preserve prescribed support and document it. | Remove tape or a brace to test natural ability. | Removing support can be unsafe and creates a different condition. |
6 · Common mistakes
Spot the error and apply the correction
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| The measuring device is aligned differently each trial. | The provider marks and rechecks anatomical alignment before each block. |
| The learner memorises a visual room cue. | Control vision consistently and record the exact rule. |
| Signed errors cancel to near zero. | Report mean absolute error as well as overshoot and undershoot counts. |
| A changed target is called progression. | Label it as transfer and keep matched-target progress separate. |
7 · Practice
Turn the steps into a usable skill
First session
- The provider declares right-wrist extension, neutral start, 20-degree target, active movement, supported forearm and the vision rule.
- Complete one or two visual familiarisation reaches, returning the goniometer and wrist to neutral each time.
- Capture three to five one-stop matches with rest; enter target, response, signed error and absolute error before feedback.
- Count overshoots and undershoots, calculate mean absolute error and response range, then choose feedback for bias or spread.
- Run one matched repair block and finish with the provider’s wrist, skin, pain, swelling and support check.
Repeat plan
The clinician sets session frequency, number of trials, rest and any rehabilitation dose. A clean retest keeps joint, target, movement mode, support, vision and measurement device matched; only the provider advances range or task demand.
Progress when
- Mean absolute error and variability meet the provider’s predeclared rule across two matched blocks.
- The learner uses one smooth stop without visual leakage.
- No pain, swelling, instability or loss of control appears.
Do not progress when
- Pain or instability rises, or support is needed differently.
- Alignment or measurement reliability is uncertain.
- The goal shifts to self-diagnosis or unsupported balance activity.
8 · Check the result
Measure what changed
Absolute joint-position matching error for one provider-declared task.
How: For each valid trial calculate signed error = response angle−target angle and absolute error = |signed error|. Average the absolute errors, report smallest-to-largest response range, count overshoots and undershoots, and retain device alignment, assistance and symptoms.
Good result: Provider-defined improvement exceeds measurement noise across matched blocks and remains symptom-free.
This does not prove: It does not diagnose neurological function, show tissue health, explain pain or establish balance and whole-body safety.
Self-check
- For a 20-degree target and 27-degree response, can you show signed error +7 and absolute error 7?
- For responses 27, 24 and 25 degrees, can you calculate mean absolute error (7+4+5)/3 = 5.3 degrees?
- Because all three signs are positive, can you name repeated overshoot rather than letting signed errors cancel?
- Can you list joint, direction, target, movement mode, support, vision rule and measuring-device alignment that must match on retest?
9 · Stop, adapt or get help
Keep the safety boundary practical
Stop and get help
- Stop for pain, swelling, giving way, catching, new numbness, weakness, dizziness or loss of control.
- Pause if prescribed support shifts or the provider cannot reproduce alignment.
- Seek clinical review for new proprioceptive difficulty, recurrent falls or sudden sensory/motor change.
Accessibility and adaptations
- Use supported seating, a large stop switch or spoken stop response.
- Use the opposite limb only when the provider defines a bilateral matching protocol.
- Retain braces and mobility aids and report their exact configuration.
10 · Evidence and limits
Why these instructions are here
- primary research
A randomised trial tested sensorimotor training added to traditional therapy for a specific chronic-neck-pain population; transfer beyond that configuration is not automatic.
Traditional physical therapy exercises combined with sensorimotor training: The effects on clinical outcomes for chronic neck pain in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial - primary research
A randomised study found kinesiology tape did not improve wrist force sense and showed no consistent joint-position advantage, so passive tape is not a reliable shortcut.
Effect of Kinesio taping on wrist proprioception in healthy subjects: A randomized clinical trial
Limits
- The result belongs to one joint, target, method and support setup.
- A provider controls range, dosing and interpretation.
- Position matching does not establish general body awareness, balance or injury risk.
Open the complete canonical research register
- Primary empirical supportLimiting / contraryTraditional physical therapy exercises combined with sensorimotor training: The effects on clinical outcomes for chronic neck pain in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Maryam Saadat; Reza Salehi; Hossein Negahban; Mohammad Jafar Shaterzadeh; Mohammad Mehravar; Masumeh Hessam · 2019 · Primary research
- Primary empirical supportLimiting / contraryEffect of Kinesio taping on wrist proprioception in healthy subjects: A randomized clinical trial
Lorenzo A Justo-Cousiño; Iria Da Cuña-Carrera; Alejandra Alonso-Calvete; Yoana González-González · 2024 · Primary research
Read the complete evidence interpretation on the Power dossier.
Tutorial delivery controls
Learn, adapt, troubleshoot and resume
Progress is saved only in this browser on this device.
Step-by-step learner mode
Each activity includes its success check, a nearby accessible alternative and an “I’m stuck” correction path. Alternatives preserve the target where possible; when they change the task, Titan labels them as related rather than equivalent.
Define one matching task
With the provider, name the joint, starting position, direction, target and whether the learner moves actively or the provider positions the limb.
Proprioceptive error is specific to the exact task.
The configuration fits in one reproducible sentence.
I’m stuck on this step
Reset: Re-read this authored instruction — “With the provider, name the joint, starting position, direction, target and whether the learner moves actively or the provider positions the limb.” — and its success check, then attempt only this step.
Possible snag: The learner memorises a visual room cue.
Correction: Control vision consistently and record the exact rule.
Stop / get help: Stop for pain, swelling, giving way, catching, new numbness, weakness, dizziness or loss of control.
Support and measure the start
The provider aligns the joint and measuring device, supports the limb and verifies a comfortable start position.
Poor alignment or unsupported effort can create both error and symptoms.
The start angle and support are recorded without strain.
I’m stuck on this step
Reset: Re-read this authored instruction — “The provider aligns the joint and measuring device, supports the limb and verifies a comfortable start position.” — and its success check, then attempt only this step.
Possible snag: The measuring device is aligned differently each trial.
Correction: The provider marks and rechecks anatomical alignment before each block.
Stop / get help: Stop for pain, swelling, giving way, catching, new numbness, weakness, dizziness or loss of control.
Learn the target with vision
Move to or receive the target position once with vision available. Hold briefly and describe where pressure, stretch or joint relation is felt.
A familiarisation trial connects the target with available position cues.
The learner can return to start and state the target rule.
I’m stuck on this step
Reset: Re-read this authored instruction — “Move to or receive the target position once with vision available. Hold briefly and describe where pressure, stretch or joint relation is felt.” — and its success check, then attempt only this step.
Possible snag: The result from “Move to or receive the target position once with vision available. Hold briefly and describe where pressure, stretch or joint relation is felt.” does not yet meet this declared check: The learner can return to start and state the target rule.
Correction: Return to the start of “Learn the target with vision”, reduce complexity or pace, and repeat only the part needed to satisfy: “The learner can return to start and state the target rule.”
Stop / get help: Stop for pain, swelling, giving way, catching, new numbness, weakness, dizziness or loss of control.
Match without target feedback
When the provider gives the cue, move or say stop at the remembered position under the declared vision condition. Do not make repeated searching movements.
One committed match produces a measurable error rather than a coached correction.
A single stop position is captured for the trial.
I’m stuck on this step
Reset: Re-read this authored instruction — “When the provider gives the cue, move or say stop at the remembered position under the declared vision condition. Do not make repeated searching movements.” — and its success check, then attempt only this step.
Possible snag: The result from “When the provider gives the cue, move or say stop at the remembered position under the declared vision condition. Do not make repeated searching movements.” does not yet meet this declared check: A single stop position is captured for the trial.
Correction: Return to the start of “Match without target feedback”, reduce complexity or pace, and repeat only the part needed to satisfy: “A single stop position is captured for the trial.”
Stop / get help: Stop for pain, swelling, giving way, catching, new numbness, weakness, dizziness or loss of control.
Calculate signed and absolute error
The provider subtracts target angle from response angle, then records direction of error and its absolute size.
Direction reveals overshoot or undershoot; absolute error summarises distance from target.
Each trial has target, response, signed error and absolute error.
I’m stuck on this step
Reset: Re-read this authored instruction — “The provider subtracts target angle from response angle, then records direction of error and its absolute size.” — and its success check, then attempt only this step.
Possible snag: The result from “The provider subtracts target angle from response angle, then records direction of error and its absolute size.” does not yet meet this declared check: Each trial has target, response, signed error and absolute error.
Correction: Return to the start of “Calculate signed and absolute error”, reduce complexity or pace, and repeat only the part needed to satisfy: “Each trial has target, response, signed error and absolute error.”
Stop / get help: Stop for pain, swelling, giving way, catching, new numbness, weakness, dizziness or loss of control.
Separate directional bias from spread
Count positive signed errors as overshoots and negative signed errors as undershoots. Report mean absolute error and the smallest-to-largest response range; never average positive and negative signed errors to make them cancel.
A repeated overshoot needs a different correction from inconsistent responses on both sides of the target.
The provider can see whether the block shows one directional bias, broad variability or neither before choosing feedback.
I’m stuck on this step
Reset: Re-read this authored instruction — “Count positive signed errors as overshoots and negative signed errors as undershoots. Report mean absolute error and the smallest-to-largest response range; never average positive and negative signed errors to make them cancel.” — and its success check, then attempt only this step.
Possible snag: Signed errors cancel to near zero.
Correction: Report mean absolute error as well as overshoot and undershoot counts.
Stop / get help: Stop for pain, swelling, giving way, catching, new numbness, weakness, dizziness or loss of control.
Repair and retest one variable
Use provider feedback to correct the largest repeatable error, then run a matched block. Change support, joint or target only as a labelled transfer test.
Matched retesting shows learning; changing the configuration tests something new.
The second block preserves the task or explicitly labels the changed variable.
I’m stuck on this step
Reset: Re-read this authored instruction — “Use provider feedback to correct the largest repeatable error, then run a matched block. Change support, joint or target only as a labelled transfer test.” — and its success check, then attempt only this step.
Possible snag: A changed target is called progression.
Correction: Label it as transfer and keep matched-target progress separate.
Stop / get help: Stop for pain, swelling, giving way, catching, new numbness, weakness, dizziness or loss of control.
Correct versus incorrect execution
These accessible process diagrams are built from the tutorial’s own right/wrong teaching. They are not anatomical illustrations and do not add technique beyond the canonical tutorial.
Keep joint, target, direction, support and vision rule fixed.
Compare different joints or angles as one score.
Make one smooth match and stop once.
Hunt back and forth until the angle feels exact.
Record overshoot/undershoot and absolute size.
Report only the best trial.
Preserve prescribed support and document it.
Remove tape or a brace to test natural ability.
Method-structure checklist
10 of 10 structural checks present
- Ordered, Power-specific instructions — present
- Every activity has a success check — present
- Materials or supplied records are declared — present
- Measurement or assessment rule is present — present
- Tutorial-specific troubleshooting is present — present
- Stopping or escalation boundary is present — present
- Every activity has an adjacent alternative — present
- Correct-versus-incorrect comparison is present — present
- Evidence context is bound to the Power record — present
- Planning metadata is present — present
The method-readiness band and presence checklist assess tutorial presentation and are separate from evidence quality for the underlying Power. They are automated editorial aids, not human approval.
Manual editorial sign-off: Pending. This tutorial must not display a human-approved state until an identified editor signs the exact content hash.