In-Class Activity: Sensory Systems in Action
Instructions
- Work in groups of 5.
- Your group will analyze one scenario.
- Discuss the guiding questions and prepare a 2-minute summary.
- Focus on how touch, proprioception, and vision contribute to motor control.
Scenario 1: Physical Therapy (Grasping a Cup)
A stroke patient is re-learning to grasp a cup. The therapist guides their hand onto the cup and asks them to lift it.
Q1: What roles do tactile and proprioceptive feedback play here?
Q2: How can the therapist optimize feedback?
Answer Key:
- Q1: Tactile receptors detect contact, pressure, and slip; proprioceptors provide info on hand/arm position and grip force. Both ensure accuracy and prevent dropping the cup.
- Q2: Therapist can give physical hand-over-hand guidance, encourage vision use, vary cup size/weight, and give verbal cues about grip adjustments.
Scenario 2: Sports Coaching (Sprint Start)
A track coach teaches an athlete a sprint start. The coach demonstrates, then gives cues as the athlete practices.
Q1: Where does tactile/proprioceptive info help the athlete?
Q2: How might the coach’s feedback enhance sensory use?
Answer Key:
- Q1: Proprioceptors provide feedback on limb position in blocks, explosive force, and timing. Touch (ground contact, pressure on blocks) informs balance and force application.
- Q2: Coach can give tactile setup cues (adjusting foot/hand position), verbal timing cues, video replay for visual reinforcement, and practice drills for proprioceptive awareness.
Scenario 3: PE Teaching (Jump Rope)
An elementary teacher introduces jumping rope. Some kids struggle with timing their jumps.
Q1: Which sensory systems help coordinate jumping with rope movement?
Q2: How can the teacher support them?
Answer Key:
- Q1: Vision tracks the rope’s movement; proprioception provides limb position and timing of jumps; tactile input gives foot-ground contact cues.
- Q2: Teacher can use slower/larger ropes, rhythmical clapping/music for timing, visual markers, and partner-assisted practice.
Scenario 4: Dance Coaching (Posture & Rhythm)
A dance instructor corrects a student’s posture and rhythm during a new routine.
Q1: Which aspects of sensory input are most critical here?
Q2: What strategies could the instructor use?
Answer Key:
- Q1: Proprioception supports alignment and posture; tactile cues guide corrections; vision (mirror) reinforces movement accuracy; auditory rhythm cues help timing.
- Q2: Instructor may provide light tactile corrections, mirror feedback, rhythmic counting/clapping, and step-by-step progressions.