# Control of Muscle Proprioceptor Sensitivity

> **NIH NIH SC3** · SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $108,375

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY: Control of muscle proprioceptor sensitivity.
Complex motor behaviors rely on a constantly updated sense of body position in space, or proprioception.
Sensory input from many systems are integrated during proper proprioception, but sensory neurons found in
muscles, known as muscle spindle afferents, seem to be the most important. These neurons sense muscle
stretch and movement, information that is critical for creating a body schema, coordinated movement, and
correcting errors during motor execution. Proprioceptor function is impaired in many conditions, including aging
and diabetes, causing balance instability and falls. Fall related injuries are costly and decrease life expectancy.
A better understanding of how muscle proprioceptors are regulated under normal circumstances and disease
states is needed to develop therapies to improve their function. In this proposal, we will test the hypothesis that
proprioceptor released glutamate is essential for proper stretch sensitivity in muscle proprioceptors (Aim 1).
We will also test the hypothesis that the sympathetic nervous system decreases muscle proprioceptor
sensitivity, which may compromise motor control during chronic sympathetic over-activation (Aim 2). Finally,
we will develop a tool for specific gamma motor neuron stimulation that will have many potential uses in
studies of motor control physiology (Aim 3). The results from these studies will provide a better understanding
of the modulation of muscle proprioceptor activity and suggest mechanisms for plasticity in the muscle
proprioceptors. Additionally, this information will suggest potential targets to normalize proprioception in
conditions like aging and diabetes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9916784
- **Project number:** 5SC3GM127195-03
- **Recipient organization:** SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Katherine Anne Wilkinson
- **Activity code:** SC3 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $108,375
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-05-01 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9916784

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9916784, Control of Muscle Proprioceptor Sensitivity (5SC3GM127195-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9916784. Licensed CC0.

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