What is a Vibration Plate and How Can it be Used in Occupational Therapy?

What is a vibration plate?

It is a piece of equipment that can be used in a variety of ways to provide whole body vibration. This vibration can then work to improve deficits in many neurological conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, in addition to other neurological or developmental conditions that negatively impact balance, strength and/or sensory processing.

What does it do? 

A vibration plate can be used in a variety of ways to target different deficits. Vibration plates can be used to help with balance, coordination, motor planning, provide proprioceptive input, regulate tone, reduce spasticity, regulate sensory systems, enhance blood flow and bone health, etc. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ways to use it:

• Standing
  • Playing catch while child stands on vibration plate (grade up by having them reach high with the ball and squat low for pass offs)
    • Works on: Body awareness, regulation, postural stability, coordination and motor planning.

• Sitting 
  • Draw, create block figures or put a puzzle together while seated.
    • Works on: postural stability, fine motor skills, body awareness and visual motor skills. 

• Planking
  • Either put feet or hands on the vibration plate while doing a plank (grade up by having the child cross midline to tap a ball with their hands alternating)
    • Works on: core strength, postural stability, coordination and motor planning.

• Prone
  • Lay on the vibration plate in prone and complete a puzzle, drawing, or other fine motor activities.
    • Works on: postural stability, core strength, fine motor and visual motor skills.

References:

Hicks, A. (2025, January 27). Transforming Pediatric Care with Galileo Kids. Carolina Therapy Connection. https://www.carolinatherapyconnection.com/transforming-pediatric-care-with-galileo-kids/