Meanwhile, Eve presented ‘Effects of virtual reality on shoulder proprioception in adults with hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSDs)-Short term effect’. Eve used joint position sense tests on individuals with HSDs playing virtual reality (VR) games over 4 weeks to understand how VR could influence proprioceptive acuity and contribute to maintaining functional stability in the shoulder joint. Proprioception is the ability to sense body position/orientation in relation to our surroundings.

Eve’s findings suggest that VR holds potential for enhancing proprioceptive accuracy and could be incorporated into rehabilitation programmes for individuals with proprioceptive deficits, such as those related to shoulder instability and recurrent shoulder dislocations.  

The conference promotes the networking and CPD of sport and exercise scientists, showcasing areas of research within their disciplines.

Fiona Higgs, Sports Therapy Lecturer, also presented her research into the effects of hormonal fluctuations through the menstrual cycle on proprioception.

 “Proprioception is critical for ensuring that we can move safely and effectively around our environment without sustaining an injury.  Changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle are known to influence a number of performance and injury-related factors, but unfortunately not much is known about it's effect on proprioception. I hope that by addressing these gaps in the research literature there will be more evidence produced to inform clinical and performance strategies used to manage performance and injury in female populations.

The BASES conference promotes the networking and CPD of sport and exercise scientists, showcasing areas of research within their disciplines.

Find out more about the courses and facilities available at University College Birmingham’s Department of Sport, including a state-of-the-art human performance centre and the opportunities available to students.