By Allieson Bruce-Woolcock, COTA
The importance of the vestibular system is often overlooked
but it is believed to provide the foundation for all that we do as well as
being of vital importance to our survival and our ability to function in daily
life. The vestibular system helps us to know where we are in space. In other words, it gives up information on
which way is up or down and our sense of direction. It also helps our balance, spatial
orientation (being able to change location/move in relation to objects around
us), and our ability to maintain focus on an object even when we are
moving.
Our vestibular system works in conjunction with our auditory
and visual systems to help us understand 3-dimential space. Through these three systems, our Vestibular-Auditory-Visual
Triad, meaning is assigned to the sights and sounds of our world encouraging us
to move, explore, and engage with the people, objects, and events around us.
It becomes difficult for our world to make sense when the
information being received from our vestibular system along with the sights and
sounds in our environment are disconnected. Since movement is a part of
everything we do, it is not far-fetched to believe that the vestibular system
supports all behavior, our ability to gain skills as well as provide
balance/filter the constant flow of sensory information our systems
receive. Without the successful
integration of the Vestibular-Auditory-Visual Triad all aspects of behavior
(planning, directing, and controlling our actions) can be negatively impacted.
This is where the Astronaut Training Protocol comes in. It provides a means to connect the
Vestibular-Auditory-Visual Triad though rotary movements, audible cues and
visual targets. The rotary movements
activate the vestibular systems and is paired with a set of eye movements,
saccades and smooth pursuits, prompted by audible cues. The Astronaut Training Protocol has been
proven successful in diagnosis such as Sensory Processing Disorders, ADHD and
with individuals having trouble with regulation and visual/ocular motor
control.
