Vestibular Activities

Vestibular sensory input is a powerful tool in helping children with sensory needs. Adding a few vestibular activities to the day allows for long-lasting effects. Every individual requires vestibular sensory input in natural development. In fact, as infants, we are exposed to vestibular input that promotes a natural and healthy development and integration of all systems.

These sensory vestibular activities are playful ways to promote performance and tolerance to movement activities. They are also challenges against gravity to help kids with difficulties in equilibrium, balance, self-regulation, and adjusting to typical sensory input.

Add these resources to the ones you can find here under sensory diet vestibular activities to meet the sensory needs of all kids.

What is the vestibular system?

The vestibular system operates through receptors in the inner ear and in conjunction with position in space, input from the eyes, and feedback from muscle and joint receptors, is able to contribute to posture and appropriate response of the visual system to maintain a field of vision.

These receptors are actually hair cells that are found in two structures in the inner ear:
Receptors on the Otolith organs respond to linear movement, gravity, and head tilt
Receptors on the semicircular canals respond to angular movement of the head and quick movement changes.

These receptors provide information to the central nervous system about the body’s position in space and project information to several areas:
Cerebellum– Information received in the cerebellum is used to control posture, eye, and head movements.
Oculomotor nuclei– Information received here help to correct the eyes with head and body movements.
Spinal cord– Information received here helps with muscle tone and postural adjustments.
Thalamus and cortex– Information received here helps with perception of motion and spatial orientation and integrates somatosensory information.

Problems with the Vestibular processing System

When there is a problem with the visual processing system, there are many features you may see.

These might be considered red flags of vestibular processing problems:

Poor visual processing

Poor spatial awareness

Poor balance

Difficulty with bilateral integration

Sequencing deficits

Poor visual-motor skills

Poor constructional abilities

Poor discrimination of body position

Poor discrimination of movement

Poor equilibrium

Subtle difficulties discerning the orientation of head

Trouble negotiating action sequences

To treat and address problems with vestibular sensory processing, activities should provide movement and resistance to movement. In these activities, it is essential that children have active participation

Vestibular Activity Movements:

Depending on the individualized needs of the child, activities can be designed to include movements such as:
Prone swinging

Seated swinging

Standing swinging

Linear movements

Vertical movements

Rotary movements
Angular movements

Upside down movements

Horizontal movements

Challenges to balance

Inverted head

Unstable base of support

Starts and stops in motion

Changes in direction

Changes in speed

Precautions for Vestibular Sensory Input

Vestibular input is extremely powerful. Negative reactions to sensations may not be apparent for several hours following input. Sensory overload or sensory disorientation can occur even when the child appeared to respond well to sensations during the actual activity or therapy session. Additionally, children with impaired sensory systems may not be able to recognize when they have reached a point of “too much” input during the treatment activity.

Sensory overload presents with pupil dilation, sweaty palms, changes in respiration, and disorientation.