Whats so important about Body awareness? Proprioception. Sensory Integration.

What's so important about Body Awareness?

Have you ever marvelled at how children can effortlessly climb stairs, catch a ball, or dance without missing a beat? The secret lies in a fascinating concept known as proprioception, or body awareness. It's the innate ability of our bodies to sense their position in space, allowing us to move, reach, and play with confidence.

 What is Proprioception?

Proprioception is often referred[1] to as the “sixth sense.” It is the body’s ability to perceive its own position in space. This sense allows us to move without consciously thinking about our environment, helping us to coordinate movements, maintain balance, and understand the force needed for different tasks. Body awareness is crucial for children as it helps them navigate their world seamlessly. It's why they can sit in a chair or perform complex movements without a second thought. This sense of proprioception is not only essential for physical activities but also for developing self-confidence and independence.

 For children, especially those with sensory processing challenges, proprioceptive input can be crucial in helping them feel grounded and secure.

Common Behaviours or Stims[2] Related to Proprioceptive Needs

Children with proprioceptive needs might exhibit certain behaviours or stims to self-regulate and meet their sensory needs. These can include:

  • Pushing or Pulling: Engaging in activities that involve pushing or pulling objects, such as furniture or doors.
  • Jumping or Bouncing: Frequently jumping on furniture or bouncing on a trampoline.
  • Crashing: Deliberately crashing into objects or people to receive deep pressure input.
  • Tight Hugs: Seeking out tight hugs or squeezing themselves into tight spaces.
  • Chewing: Chewing on non-food items like clothing or pencils to provide oral proprioceptive input.
  • Head Banging: Repeatedly banging their head against surfaces, which can be a sign of seeking deep pressure.

Activities to Support Proprioceptive[3] Needs at Home

Here are some activities that you can incorporate into their daily routines to help support your child’s proprioceptive needs:

  • Weighted Blankets and Lap[4] Pads: These tools provide deep pressure stimulation, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. They are particularly useful during activities that require focus or relaxation, such as reading or watching TV. The weight should be appropriate for the child’s size and comfort level. Generally the blanket should weigh only 10% of the child's weight. You could discuss with your therapist should you have any specific concerns. 
  • Heavy Work Activities[5]: These activities involve using muscles to push, pull, or lift, which can help regulate sensory input and improve body awareness. Examples include carrying groceries, helping with chores like vacuuming, or pushing a toy cart. These tasks can be integrated into daily routines, making them both practical and beneficial.
  • Jumping and Climbing: Activities like jumping on a trampoline or climbing playground equipment provide proprioceptive input through the joints and muscles. This can help improve coordination and balance. Ensure safety by supervising these activities and using appropriate equipment.
  • Swinging: Swings offer both movement and pressure, which can be soothing for children with sensory needs. A pod swing or hammock can provide a snug, secure feeling. Ensure the swing is safely installed and supervise its use to prevent accidents.
  • Tight Hugs and Squeezes: Firm hugs or squeezes can provide the deep pressure input some children crave. This can be a simple and effective way to help them feel secure and calm, especially during transitions or stressful situations.
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  • Obstacle Courses: Setting up an obstacle course at home encourages crawling, climbing, and jumping, which can enhance proprioceptive input. Use pillows, cushions, and furniture to create a safe and engaging course that challenges your child’s motor skills. 
  • Stretching: These activities promote body awareness, flexibility, and coordination. Simple stretching routines can be incorporated into daily routines, helping children learn to control their movements and relax their bodies.
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  • Animal Walks: Encouraging your child to mimic animal movements, such as crab walking or bear crawling, can be a fun way to provide proprioceptive input. These activities engage different muscle groups and can be done indoors or outdoors.
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    Monitoring and Adjusting 

    It’s crucial to observe how your child responds to these activities, as their needs may change over time. Adjust the intensity and duration of activities based on their reactions and preferences. Consulting with an occupational therapist can provide further guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs.

     

    Conclusion

    Play is a fantastic way to nurture and develop your child's body awareness. Through play, children can explore their movements, understand their physical limits, and enhance their spatial understanding. So, the next time your child is running around or engaged in imaginative play, remember they're not just having fun—they're learning and growing in the most natural way possible.

    Supporting your child’s proprioceptive needs can significantly enhance their ability to navigate the world around them. By incorporating these activities into your daily routine, you can help your child develop better body awareness, improve their motor skills, and feel more comfortable and confident in their environment. Remember, every child is unique, so it’s essential to tailor these suggestions to fit your child’s individual needs and preferences.

    By nurturing body awareness through play, you're setting the foundation for your child's lifelong physical competence and confidence. So, let's celebrate the power of play and the remarkable journey of developing body awareness!

     

    References:

    [1]: EM Wojtys, JA Ashton-Miller, D Fry-Welch, LJ Huston - 2001 - deepblue.lib.umich.edu - Can proprioception really be improved by exercises?

    [2]: JE Aman, N Elangovan, IL Yeh… - Frontiers in human …, 2015 - frontiersin.org - The effectiveness of proprioceptive training for improving motor function: a systematic review

    [3]: EM Wojtys, JA Ashton-Miller, D Fry-Welch, LJ Huston - 2001 - deepblue.lib.umich.edu - Can proprioception really be improved by exercises?

    [4]: S Hodgetts, W Hodgetts - Canadian Journal of Occupational …, 2007 - journals.sagepub.com - Somatosensory stimulation interventions for children with autism: Literature review and clinical considerations

    [5]: EM Wojtys, JA Ashton-Miller, D Fry-Welch, LJ Huston - 2001 - deepblue.lib.umich.edu - Can proprioception really be improved by exercises?

     

    Disclaimer: The author has tried to recommend both toys and e-resources based on experience. This is to serve as a guide an not as medical advice. This blog has affiliate links. 

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