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Vestibular Integration

Movement · Balance · Spatial Orientation · Gravitational Security. The vestibular system is housed in the inner ear and is the most powerful sensory system for regulation.

⚡ Key Principle: Slow Linear = Calming | Fast Rotary = Alerting — Always decelerate gradually and rest 2 min afterwards.
Seeking
SpinningRockingJumpingRunningCrashingToe-walkingRestlessness
Avoiding
Fear of swingsAvoids slides/stepsGravitational insecurityRigid movement
Linear Platform Swing
1.1
★ Easy⏱ 10–15 min
🎯 Provide controlled, calming vestibular input; reduce rocking and spinning behaviour
  1. Suspend a flat platform swing (or hammock) at hip height in a safe frame
  2. Child sits or lies on the swing in whatever position is comfortable
  3. Push gently in a slow, front-to-back arc — approximately 1 full swing per 2 seconds
  4. Maintain consistent rhythm; avoid sudden stops or direction changes
  5. After 10 minutes, gradually slow to a stop over 60–90 seconds
  6. Child lies quietly for 2 minutes before transitioning
💡 TipsDrape a blanket over the swing for a cosy cocoon effect. Sing a slow rhythmic song during the swing. Use BEFORE demanding seated tasks — effect lasts 1–2 hours.
Rocking / Balance Board
1.2
★★ Moderate⏱ 5–10 min
🎯 Build vestibular-proprioceptive integration; improve balance and body awareness
  1. Place a wooden rocker board on a non-slip mat; adult steadies child initially
  2. Begin with front-to-back rocking — 10 reps × 3 sets
  3. Progress to side-to-side rocking — 10 reps × 3 sets
  4. Advanced: rock diagonally; balance a beanbag on head while rocking
  5. Cool-down: step off and stand still with eyes closed for 30 seconds
💡 TipsPosition next to a wall so child can touch it for security. Add visual tracking: stare at a wall target while rocking. Progress to rocking while catching a ball for bilateral integration.
Sit-n-Spin (Controlled Rotation)
1.3
★★ Moderate⏱ 3–5 min + 2 min rest
🎯 Provide rotary vestibular input in a controlled, child-directed manner
  1. Place a sit-n-spin toy on a low-pile carpet
  2. Child sits cross-legged on the disc and self-propels using hands on floor
  3. 5 rotations clockwise, then STOP — wait 30 seconds (prevents nystagmus overload)
  4. Repeat 5 rotations anti-clockwise
  5. After 2 cycles, child lies in 'starfish' position for 2 minutes
💡 TipsNEVER spin a child who hasn't asked or shows pallor / nausea. Limit to max 10 rotations total on first attempt. Effective for children who spin uncontrollably.
Scooter Board Highway
1.4
★★ Moderate⏱ 10–15 min
🎯 Integrate vestibular, proprioceptive, and visual systems through active whole-body movement
  1. Child lies prone (on belly) on a scooter board
  2. Set up a course with tunnels, cones, and a rope to pull along
  3. Child propels using hands only — 'swimming' arm motions
  4. Include a slope for a speed burst and a straight section requiring balance
  5. Add a cargo: deliver a beanbag from Station A to Station B
  6. Repeat course 3–5 times; rest 2 min between laps
💡 TipsProne position also strengthens neck extensors and core — critical for postural control. Add a commando crawl tunnel for extra proprioceptive input.
Animal Walk Vestibular Circuit
1.5
★ Easy⏱ 8–12 min
🎯 Build vestibular processing through varied plane movements and proprioceptive loading
  1. Bear Walk: hands and feet, hips high — 5 metres forward and back (2 laps)
  2. Crab Walk: seated position, hands and feet, sideways 5 metres (2 laps)
  3. Inchworm: fold forward, walk hands to plank, walk feet to hands (3 reps)
  4. Elephant Walk: bent at waist, swing arms like a trunk, heavy-footed (2 laps)
  5. Frog Jump: squat low, jump forward landing in squat (10 jumps)
  6. Penguin Waddle: feet together, arms at sides, shuffle 5 metres (2 laps)
💡 TipsUse animal picture flashcards so child chooses the next animal — increases engagement. Play animal sound effects as cues for multi-sensory engagement.
Trampoline Jump Sequence
1.6
★ Easy⏱ 5–10 min
🎯 Discharge vestibular-seeking arousal; improve rhythmic timing and bilateral coordination
  1. Phase 1 — Bouncing: 2 feet together, steady rhythm, 60 seconds
  2. Phase 2 — Jumping Jacks: feet apart and together alternating mid-air, 30 seconds
  3. Phase 3 — Counting jumps: jump to a beat (metronome or clap), 20 jumps
  4. Phase 4 — Catch: bounce and catch a thrown beanbag, 10 catches
  5. Cool-down: stand still on trampoline, close eyes, feel vibration stopping — 30 seconds
💡 TipsSchedule 5-min trampoline before school and before homework. Singing or counting aloud while jumping adds auditory-vestibular integration.
Desensitisation Swing Programme
1.7
★★★ Advanced⏱ 5–8 min · 3×/wk
🎯 Gradually reduce avoidance of movement; build vestibular tolerance for gravitational insecurity
  1. Week 1: Child sits on stationary platform swing — no movement. Reads a book. 5 min.
  2. Week 2: Adult hand-rocks the swing 1–2 cm front to back while child reads.
  3. Week 3: Gentle 10 cm arc, front to back, slow rhythm. Child chooses when to stop.
  4. Week 4: 20 cm arc. Child uses a push-button to signal 'stop' — gives control.
  5. Week 5: 30 cm arc, child self-initiates. Adult present but hands off.
  6. Week 6+: Graduate to standard playground swing with child-controlled pumping.
💡 TipsThe child must always control pace and stopping — never push past a verbal or physical 'no'. Pair with a preferred toy to build positive association.
← All Systems
💬 Questions about these vestibular exercises?
Mitra can explain how to do each exercise safely at home, how often to repeat them, and what progress to look for.
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