Major focus area

Occupational Therapy -> Sensory

Short description

Vestibular Input involves therapeutic activities that stimulate the vestibular system, located in the inner ear, which is responsible for sensing motion, equilibrium, and spatial orientation. This type of sensory input is crucial for individuals with balance issues, coordination difficulties, or sensory processing disorders, helping them enhance their sense of balance and spatial awareness.

Long description

Vestibular Input is a key component of sensory integration therapy aimed at improving the way the brain processes sensory information to support motor functions and balance. Effective vestibular stimulation can have profound effects on an individual’s posture, movement, and ability to navigate their environment.

Therapeutic activities typically include:

- Swinging: Using various types of swings to provide different motion sensations such as back-and-forth, spinning, or circular movements.
- Rolling: Activities that involve rolling on mats or in barrels, which provide intense vestibular stimulation.
- Rotating: Encouraging activities that involve turning and spinning the body in different directions to enhance vestibular input.
- Tilting: Using equipment like tilt boards or therapy balls to challenge balance and induce sensory responses for better spatial orientation.

Occupational therapists carefully assess each individual's response to vestibular stimuli, as some may find certain movements soothing while others might find them disorienting. The goal is to identify the type and amount of vestibular activity that best supports the individual’s sensory needs. Interventions are designed to be gradually progressive, increasing in complexity and duration as the individual adapts to the sensations.