Balance Master (a computerized dynamic posturography machine (CDP))
Balance Master is a special device for training the vestibular apparatus and sense of balance, developed by the American company NeuroCom.
Indications
Sessions using the Balance Master are indicated for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), other behavioral problems and concentration disorders, delayed speech development, speech rhythm and pace disturbances (stuttering), as well as for patients suffering from alalia, autism, various reading and logographic disorders (dysarthria, dysgraphy). Also, sessions are prescribed for children with balance disorders, various disorders of motion or insufficient fluency in movement, or for patients with a diagnosis of ICP.
What problem does this solve?
The method of studying coordination of movements and balance, used in the Balance Master program was developed at NASA to train American astronauts, but later it began to be used in general medical practice.
Using the CDP, you can not only identify problems with the vestibular apparatus, but also indirectly evaluate the functions of the peripheral nervous system, the functioning of the cerebellum and some parts of the brain associated with it.
Most important is that upon detecting a problem, the system allows you to create a correction program that trains a damaged function or triggers additional compensatory mechanisms to achieve the best therapeutic result.
The cerebellum is a very important structure in the human body. It is responsible not only for maintaining the position of the body in space, but also for the work of various muscles. When performing any, even the simplest movement, the cerebellum - within microseconds - receives millions of nerve impulses from receptors located in different parts of the body, processes them and sends response signals, due to which some muscles are contracting and other muscles are relaxing.
Among other things, the cerebellum regulates the work of the muscles responsible for the coordination and formation of speech, it also has a significant impact on thinking. If the cerebellum does not work properly, almost all of its resources are spent on maintaining motion activity, as a result of which concentration, speech recognition and speech formation functions suffer - the body simply does not have enough resources to implement complex thinking processes.
That is why stimulation and regular training of the cerebellum allows to "teach" the brain basic motion skills, freeing up resources for the development of speech, concentration and better absorption of information received at school.
How are the sessions conducted?
The sessions with CDP are held in the form of an exciting and interesting game.
Before starting the therapy, the work of the vestibular apparatus is tested, and, based on the results obtained, an individual exercise program is developed. During training, the child stands on a special platform, which is very sensitive to movements or the center of gravity motion. The device is equipped with a special monitor, which displays various tasks and information received via feedback channels. When fulfilling tasks, hormones of joy are released in the child´s body, which significantly improves the process of memorization and learning.
You can start the exercises from 6-7 years of age, the cycle includes 12-15 sessions that are held daily.
The cerebellar stimulation program with Posturography (vestibular exercises) - 1 session - 30 min.
As a result of these sessions, the psycho-emotional state of patients is stabilized, along with improved attention and a decrease in hyperactivity, the child is physically strengthened, his/her posture, speech, and coordination of movements are improved.