Proprioception and accompanying neuromuscular feedback mechanisms prov
ide an important component for the establishment and maintenance of fu
nctional joint stability. Neuromuscular control and joint stabilisatio
n is mediated primarily by the central nervous system. Multisite senso
ry input, originating from the somatosensory, visual and vestibular sy
stems, is received and processed by the brain and spinal cord. The cul
mination of gathered and processed information results in conscious aw
areness of joint position and motion, unconscious joint stabilisation
through protective spinal-mediated reflexes and the maintenance of pos
ture and balance. Clinical research aimed at determining the effects o
f articular musculoskeletal injury, surgery and rehabilitation, on joi
nt proprioception, neuromuscular control and balance has focused on th
e knee and ankle joints. Such studies have demonstrated alterations in
proprioception subsequent to capsuloligamentous injury, partial resto
ration of proprioceptive acuity following ligamentous reconstruction,
and have suggested beneficial proprioceptive changes resulting from co
mprehensive rehabilitation programmes.