Скачати "Astronaut Training: A Sound Activated Vestibular -- Visual Protocol"

Astronaut Training is the name given to a treatment protocol for vestibular training. Designed by Mary J. Kawar MS, OTR, Sheila Frick OTR/L and Ron Frick. It's a child friendly approach to vestibular training, incorporating rotary movement with visual exercises done to an auditory sound track which gives the activities a timed beat. It comes from the concept that astronauts undergo extensive training to optimize vestibular function so they can withstand the demands of weightlessness, free falling, and the disorienting aspects of space travel. The vestibular system activates the core postural muscles that surround the central vertical axis of the body. A strong and stable core provides us with a solid base for using our eyes. The ability to keep our eyes steady on a target even when the head or body is in motion provides a stable visual image on the retina. When the vestibular system is not working properly to guide postural control, the eyes cannot participate efficiently in task such as copying from a board, reading, writing, tying shoelaces, catching or kicking a ball. The rotary protocol is presented with the eyes closed in order to achieve precise vestibular activation unaided by visual stimulation. The rotary movement elicits a reflexive eye movement called a post rotary nystagmus or PRN. These reflex movements provide the foundation for specific types of eye movements. Each set of rotary movements are followed by a specific set of active eye movements. The protocol is set to music with space sounds, which has a calming effect through the use of low frequency and will elicit an orienting response by the nervous system. The rhythmical sounds guide the timing and sequencing of body movements. During our day to day activities of daily living, all parts of the vestibular-visual-auditory triad are required to function at optimal levels. All systems working together will properly provide us with good body awareness and spatial orientation. Without full integration of all systems, the sensory information received will be interpreted in a fragmented way that does not make sense. Astronaut Training is a valuable therapy for restoring vestibular health and improving a child or teenager's outcomes. Jane Lynch Chartered Physiotherapist 01 2956037 087 3127383 Email :[email protected]