The cerebellum is one of the parts of the brain, consisting of the worm and two hemispheres. It is responsible for the coordination of muscular and mental activity, and also enables its owner to maintain balance and feel the location in space. But the functions of the cerebellum are not limited by those above. According to the research results of the last decade, this part of the brain is responsible for the development of memory of all types, participates in the work of speech centers, and controls movements and sensory perception. The cerebellum processes the incoming information and issues a response corresponding to the stimulus.
Given these characteristics, scientists have suggested that the active work of this part of the brain in relation to maintaining balance has a positive effect on the development of mental abilities. Numerous experiments have confirmed the theory. Thanks to this, such a method of therapy as cerebellar stimulation appeared.
Indications for cerebellar stimulation on the board and its effect
The stimulation procedure is prescribed for a wide range of patients. It has shown itself to be especially effective when used in childhood.
A special program for stimulating this part of the brain is assigned to children:
- hyperactivity or vice versa - lethargy;
- violation of attention, speed of information perception;
- with autism;
- problems with speaking and writing;
- difficulties in mastering school skills.
Impaired coordination of movements;
The active work of the cerebellum effectively corrects such disorders. This is not to say that, for example, the delay in the development of speech skills depends only on insufficient activity of the cerebellum, but its stimulation helps to correct the situation and make the child more attentive and learner.
The procedure improves:
- different types of memory;
- mathematical ability;
- motor skills, general motor skills;
- perception of speech, both written and oral;
- the ability to read mechanically.
Also, the cerebellar stimulation increases the general level of attention and improves the ability to concentrate on a particular task. It has shown excellent results in working with autistic children, hyperactive toddlers.
How does a Board Cerebellar Stimulation session go?
For the procedure, a special device is used - a Belgau board (Bilgow). It has a flat surface on which the patient can stand and semicircular legs for balancing. Because of these structural features, the child must constantly maintain balance, which brings the cerebellum into a particularly active state.
Children are happy to study on the Bilgow board, the procedure is playful in nature, so even patients with communication difficulties and defocused attention treat it quite positively. To increase interest in classes, trainers-educators also use an additional incentive - encouragement with words and / or a treat.
The cerebellar stimulation board, which can be purchased at a relatively low price, is the main tool that helps to guide the session according to the accepted rules. The ability to control the degree of inclination, maximum safety and convenience make this an indispensable device.
Children learn quite quickly just to keep their balance on the apparatus. After this - the first - stage, the task is complicated - the child must perform certain tasks, continuing to maintain balance in a given position of the board.
The incline varies from 5 to 50 degrees, the more it is, the more difficult it is to perform the given exercises.
- balls, including a ball with an elastic band;
- bags with pre-dried cereals;
- soft pads that the specialist and the child throw to each other.
To perform stimulation, in addition to the Bilgow board, a set of auxiliary accessories is used:
The procedure is most often carried out under the supervision of a specialist, not only for safety reasons, but also for maximum effectiveness. Some parents, at the same time as classes in a specialized center, carry out procedures at home, adhering to the recommended exercises and the duration of the sessions.
Important Points for Cerebellar Stimulation
Before workouts, it is worth deciding on a range of problems that require correction. A specialist will help with this. But special preparation for cerebellar stimulation procedures is not required, you can start classes at any time (the recommended age is from two to three years).
Typically, a session lasts about half an hour, but you can start from a few minutes - at first it is difficult for the child to maintain balance on the board. Too long exercising can lead to fatigue. Usually, 3 to 5 sessions per week recommended.
The program for each child is developed individually, depending on the personal characteristics, spectrum and degree of corrected disorders. It is not recommended to select the time and list of exercises on your own; a specialist will cope with this much better.