The Versatile Role of The Therapy Ball
In pediatric occupational therapy, therapists continually seek innovative and practical tools to engage children in therapeutic activities that promote functional skills development. Among these tools, therapy exercise balls stand out for their versatility and effectiveness in addressing various developmental needs.
Why Therapy Exercise Balls are Used in Therapy
Enhancing Core Strength and Stability
The inherent instability of therapy balls requires the user to engage multiple muscle groups to maintain balance. This engagement is crucial in building core strength and stability, which is foundational for developing posture, balance, and motor skills.
Improving Motor Planning and Coordination
Controlling the movement of an exercise ball demands a high level of motor planning and coordination. For children facing challenges in these areas, therapy balls offer a dynamic and fun way to enhance these skills.
Sensory Processing
Therapy balls can be invaluable tools for children with sensory processing disorders. Their movement and pressure provide proprioceptive and vestibular input, helping children regulate their sensory systems. This can improve attention, organization of behavior, and overall adaptive function.
Encouraging Engagement and Motivation
The playful and interactive nature of incorporating an exercise ball makes them an appealing tool for children, often increasing their motivation and engagement in therapy sessions. This positive association can lead to more successful outcomes.
How They Are Used in Therapy
Therapy exercise balls can be integrated into sessions in various ways, tailored to each child's needs. Some typical applications include:
Seated Activities: Sitting on a therapy ball while engaging in delicate motor tasks can improve core stability and balance, while allowing the child to bounce and move intermittently, as their nervous system needs vestibular input.
Balance Training: Children can practice balancing on the ball in different positions, enhancing their proprioception, equilibrium responses and motor coordination.
Strength Building: Push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises using the ball can help strengthen core, arm, and leg muscles.
Sensory Activities: Gently bouncing or rolling on the ball can provide some children's sensory input to stay regulated and focused. Many children feel grounded after having the ball rolled over their backs and legs (steamroller).
Different Types of Therapy Balls
Recognizing that one size does not fit all, several types of therapy exercise balls have been developed to cater to the diverse needs of children in therapy:
Standard Therapy Balls: These large, inflatable balls can support the weight of children and adults alike. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different heights and weights.
Peanut Balls: Shaped like a peanut, these balls offer more stability than round balls and are particularly useful for children who struggle with balance. They are excellent for seated activities and working on core strength.
Hop Balls: Equipped with a handle for children to hold onto, hop balls are used for dynamic balance, coordination activities, and proprioceptive input through bouncing.
Textured Balls: These balls come with different surface textures and are used for sensory play and therapy, helping children who benefit from tactile stimulation.
Therapy exercise balls are a multifaceted tool in pediatric occupational therapy, offering many benefits for children's development. By selecting the appropriate type and incorporating it effectively into therapy sessions, occupational therapists can support children in achieving their developmental goals in a fun, engaging, and effective way. Whether it's building core strength, enhancing motor skills, or supporting sensory integration, therapy
