By Jim Davis, OTR/L

It’s well known that sports activities provide a fantastic opportunity for improved health, peer and social interaction, as well as the development of key leadership skills. They teach responsibility, and enrich the minds of youngsters through structure, organization, and problem solving which in turn facilitate cognitive development and growth. Sports activities also provide a stimulating sensory and organizational experience.

Parents often ask what they can do with their children outside of school to help them meet their sensory and organizational needs. Sport activities are a great solution. Here are three examples of different types of sports and some therapeutic benefits that each provide:

TEAM SPORTS:
Children who play team sports are exposed to a variety of therepeutic benefits. Sports such as soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball rely on a team approach to achieve success. During these types of activities, social interaction and structure are essential. Problem solving skills are consistently developed, which are supported by stimulation garnered through movement (vestibular) based stimulation, and organizing proprioceptive input thorough the muscles and joints of the body. Because team sports generally tend to be loud and the environment visually distracting, concentration and success depend on an individual’s ability to filter out background auditory and visual information, and make use of the experiences they encounter during play. By doing so, children are able to improve their ability to modulate sensory input more appropriately. Throwing, catching and strategic movement in response to varying demands of the game improve the development of projected action responses. Positive reinforcement and success build a strong sense of self, improves self image and fosters organizational skills through planning and structure.

GYMNASTICS:
Organization is a key element of gymnastics. Children have to learn routines that require problem solving, timing, and sequencing skills. As with team sports, vestibular input is facilitated, and plays a key role in the balance, movement registration, and spacial orientation required for specific elements. Similarly, proprioceptive input is constantly provided through the muscles and joints of the body, which helps to provide feedback regarding body position, awareness and organization.

Social interaction is provided through feedback and coaching, and a sense of accomplishment and self image enhanced through individual success. Gymnastics also provides an opportunity for the child to develop at their own pace, as they become more comfortable with elements and routines. This contributes to self-awareness, the development of self-regulation skills, and their ability to understand their limitations and how to overcome them as they progress.

SWIMMING:
Water is the perfect medium for organization. Swimming provides full-body deep pressure sensation, which is by nature very calming and relaxing. It requires sequencing and routine, along with concentration and self-control. It also builds increased self-awareness, and requires a social component during the learning process.