What are the benefits of vertical vestibular activities?
What are the benefits of vertical vestibular activities? Well, the vestibular system is exceptionally important. It links to our vision, proprioceptive and auditory systems plus many more.
Due to this connection, the vestibular system can affect our visual motor skills (eye-hand coordination), moving our bodies in space (body awareness) and if underdeveloped, will cause difficulties in a child’s daily life.
So, what are the signs of a poor vestibular system?
- Poor handwriting
- Poor balance
- Poor core strength (poor posture, w-sitting)
- Lack of concentration/fidgeting
- Difficulty planning some motor skills (riding a bike, swimming etc)
- Clumsy
- Poor organisational skills
- Difficulty problem solving
A child who is underprocessing vestibular input may:
- Always on the go
- Can spin around and not feel dizzy
- Likes to seek out swining
- Spins around
- Loves climbing with no fear
A child who is overprocessing vestibular input (gravitational insecurities) will display the following:
- Really frightened of movement
- Refuses to go on rides/swings
- Will not like going to the park to play on the equipment
- Cautious when walking down the stairs
What are the benefits of vertical vestubular activities? Vestibular activities can be extremely calming and relaxing. These activities can be used after school or bedtime. However, be careful as some vestibular activities can also be very stimulating which may be great if your child is lethargic or difficult to get going so watch how your child responds.
Some more vestibular activities are:
- Rocking on a gym ball (side to side too)
- Swaying or slowly dancing to music
- Riding a rocking horse
- Hanging upside down
- Sitting in a rocking chair
Check out some of our own ideas to help this area:
https://www.treetopsoccupationaltherapy.co.uk/do-you-have-a-trampoline/
https://www.facebook.com/TreeTopsChildrensOccupationalTherapy/posts/2487460101289453