What is Astronaut Training?!
According to the Vital Links website, astronaut training is:
- A precise and therapeutic protocol that is designed to develop vestibular function, which is an essential foundation for sensory processing and movement control.
- This protocol utilizing sound, movement, and vision to work as one unit; which is the core focus on this protocol.
- The protocol is administered by OTs and PTs who have received a training certification through Vital Links, Inc.
What is the vestibular system?
- The vestibular sensors occur in our inner ear that tells our body exactly where we are in space as well as the orientation of our head as we look, listen, and move throughout our day.
- This system also helps with balance and modulation of different sensations.
- When our vestibular sensors are not working properly, our body becomes:
- Lost in space
- A child may fall off of a chair
- Be afraid to climb objects
- Fall easily
- Bump into objects/people
- Avoid crowded places and engaging in sports
Functionally, if our vestibular system is “down” or “inactive”, a child may have difficulty with:
- Social skills
- Playing skills
- Learning
- Memory
- Copying from a whiteboard onto a piece of paper
- Playing sports
- Reading
- And more!
A typical OT session utilizing this protocol:
- Begin by having the child engage in a warm up exercise while listening to music of their choice
- Then engage in linear and rotatory movement with eye exercises following each movement/position
- Working towards recognizing and normalizing their vestibular system
Astronaut Training Overview for Parents: https://vitallinks.com/parent-center/astronaut-training-for-parents/
Video Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpu5i2ufnaQ
