Balance plays an important role in our everyday lives, from infancy to old age. Physical balance, mental stability, and overall wellbeing are all intrinsically linked. And contrary to popular belief, we are not all lumped with “good” or “bad” balance. It’s a fluid skill that you can improve—with the right kind of practice.
The question is, are we taking enough care of our balance? And how can we use balance to improve the lives and learning experience of those, especially children, with Special Educational Needs?
Former primary school head and SEN specialist Mary Mountstephen makes her recommendations in the latest edition of SEN magazine, the UK’s leading journal for Special Educational Needs.
Recognising Bobo balance board as an SEN tool
A far cry from the traditional PE classes of our childhoods, there’s a trend towards more balance-based activities in modern primary schools. Balance boards like Bobo are making an appearance, and teachers everywhere are incorporating yoga into their kids’ school days. Wobble boards and exercise balls are now a common classroom feature.
The correlation between movement skills and learning ability in school-age children means practising balance can complement and improve their educational performance.
Using Bobo, children with sensory impairment or physical difficulties can build core strength, stamina, and stability. Bobo has also been clinically proven to improve focus, flexibility, coordination, and control. Part of its innovation is making physiotherapy exciting and enjoyable, motivating kids to develop these vital skills. It’s an interactive gaming experience that works on proprioceptive and vestibular balance systems. This results in real-life physical and emotional changes.
Many parents around the UK are already using Bobo to add a fun element to their children’s home therapy sessions. The many benefits of Bobo range from alleviating symptoms of ADHD right through to tackling foot-drop and hip abductor weakness in children with cerebral palsy, and speeding up recovery times from intense surgical procedures like Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR). We’ve had positive feedback from whole families with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) who use Bobo as an essential part of their physical training to strengthen and stabilise joints.
The strong relationship between balance and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and conditions like dyspraxia or down syndrome mean Bobo is a useful and practical addition to schools, clinics, and activity centres—not just at home!
In closing
Here at NivaMD, we’re optimistic that Bobo’s recent coverage in SEN magazine will continue to raise awareness of Bobo as an effective therapy device for children with neurological disorders, learning disorders, physical disabilities, and other difficulties.
Regular practice of sensorimotor control systems using Bobo can contribute to better mental, emotional, and physical health. We’re thankful to SEN for highlighting Bobo as a tool for better mind and body balance.
