Special Needs
The following is an excerpt from Peter Mark's book:
AUTISM & OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, Balancing Body, Brain & Being
All Children Love to Bounce!
Brain Balancing and Coherence
A recent study (Piochon et al., 2014) shows that the cerebellum - the motor and coordination centre of the brain - is not functioning well in many children with Autism. Exercises such as Bosu bouncing strengthen the cerebellum. Using stabilizing and Bosu balls, balance beams and elliptical cushions increases brain cerebellum activation and therefore improves brain energy balance and coherence. The cerebellum, one of the most common sites of anatomic abnormalities in ASD, is particularly implicated in problems with connectivity and coordination of cognitive functions.
Bouncing a
nd balancing exercises significantly improve the brain's energy system. This improvement seems to bring less confusion, more coherence and cognition, and therefore less maladaptive behaviour.
Rebounders give critical stimulation for healthy brain functioning, do in part to activation of the cerebellum.
The 5' BPOD model allows for use as a standing rebounder or a wheelchair. Even while sitting you can get the same health benefits of rebounding. The 5' model comes complete with wheelchair straps and also the "C" hoop for use while standing. A ramp is also available. Power wheelchairs cannot be used.
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A review by the Mayo Clinic (Ahlskog et al., 2011) demonstrated that of more than 1600 scientific papers on the effectiveness of exercise and cognition, there was profound positive effect of exercise on keeping our brains growing rather than eroding with age, making us smarter and allowing us to use our brain most effectively. T.Hamlin, 2015, Autism and the Stress Effect
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Alfhild Akselen, Ph.D., founder of the Texas Association of Children with Learning Disabilities, has found that “Learning disabled children have extremely poor coordination, balance and rhythm”. With over 40 years of experience in this field, Dr. Akselen found when she used Rebounding to improve these conditions the results were amazing! She is a true believer and the first pioneer of rebound exercise for children with special needs (n.d.).
Dr. Akselsen has seen some remarkable results from her rebounding therapy. Children who had been unable to express themselves during their first 15 years of life, having vocabulary of only a few words, were able, after a month or two of rebounding therapy, to speak in complete sentences and express their thoughts: “When the physical defect is corrected, the mental defect is also corrected”, concludes Dr. Akselsen (n.d).
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A review by the Mayo Clinic (Ahlskog et al., 2011) demonstrated that of more than 1600 scientific papers on the effectiveness of exercise and cognition, there was profound positive effect of exercise on keeping our brains growing rather than eroding with age, making us smarter and allowing us to use our brain most effectively. T.Hamlin, 2015, Autism and the Stress Effect
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