The vestibular system is housed within our inner ear. It is responsible for detecting head position about gravity and spatial orientation. The vestibular system allows us to coordinate movement for balance and posture.
This system helps with:
- Balance
- Posture
- Muscle tone
- Bilateral coordination
- Visual skills of tracking, convergence, and saccades
- Spatial skills
- Motor planning
- Alertness
Some behaviors we may see due to sensory challenges within the vestibular system include:
- Loss of balance and experiences frequent falls
- Leaning against furniture or people for support
- Holding their head in their hands while seated
- Rocking in a chair or when standing
- Becomes overly excited following movement activities
- Demonstrates caution, hesitation, or fear before moving or having their feet off of the ground (gravitational insecurity)
- Moves slowly or stiffly
A few activities that can be used to improve the vestibular system:
- Swinging, spinning, bouncing, rocking, dancing
- Scooter board activities
- Zoom ball
- Playing a matching game
- Word Searches
- Crossword Puzzles
- Playing sports (soccer, baseball, basketball, etc.)
- Blowing bubbles
- Midline crossing activities
- Yoga
- Movement Games
- Red Light, Green Light
- Mr Fox, Mr Fox, What Time is it?
- Simon Says
- Playing on playground equipment
- Sliding
- Climbing
- Monkey bars
- Swinging