What are the Vestibular and Proprioceptive systems?
These are our sixth and seventh senses, which we rarely hear about. The vestibular and proprioceptive systems play a crucial role in how we interact with the world around us. They help us move through space, maintain balance, and process sensory input. However, they are often overlooked in discussions about sensory development and well-being.
The vestibular system is a sensory system located within the inner ear. Along with the cochlea, it creates our sense of balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system controls how we move in space by sending signals to the brain, which then coordinates eye movement and the muscles responsible for maintaining our posture. These signals are essential for keeping us upright and aware of our positioning in the environment. Without a functioning vestibular system, tasks like walking, balancing, or even sitting upright can become challenging.
The proprioceptive system, on the other hand, is found in our muscles and joints. It gives us a sense of body awareness, enabling us to know where our limbs are at all times, even without looking. This system helps regulate the amount of force or pressure we apply to tasks. For example, it lets us know how much strength we need to use to lift a heavy object or how to gently hold something fragile. Additionally, the proprioceptive system plays a vital role in sensory processing, helping us control our responses to stimuli from our environment.
Together, these systems work to ensure that we can move fluidly, maintain balance, and respond appropriately to sensory input. However, for some individuals, these systems can become overstimulated, which may lead to sensory overload, anxiety, or difficulty with motor coordination. Supporting the vestibular and proprioceptive systems can help regulate sensory processing and improve overall well-being, especially for children who find it difficult to navigate the sensory demands of daily life.
I first came across these two lesser-known senses while working alongside an occupational therapist in a primary school in Redcliff, Alberta, Canada. Many of the children attending the school came from isolated farms on the prairies, and transitioning into the close quarters of a school building was often overwhelming for them. We collaborated to design a programme of push-and-pull activities that supported both the proprioceptive and vestibular systems. This programme was incredibly effective in helping regulate the children's heightened sensory input and was especially beneficial for children in the foundation classes. The positive impact this programme had on the children left a lasting impression on me and is one of the reasons I continue to integrate it into my work with children and families, both in schools and at home.
Occupational therapists often use various types of equipment to challenge and stimulate the vestibular system, which can serve as a reset for the body or help develop motor coordination and balance skills. Some common pieces of equipment include:
- Gymnastic mats
- Cushions and bean bags
- Climbing equipment
- Wobble cushions
- Trampolines
- Balance boards
- Balance beams
- Yoga Balls
- Exercise stretch bands
- Skipping ropes
Many of these resources are readily available in schools, making it easier to incorporate vestibular activities into daily routines.
In addition to vestibular activities, proprioceptive exercises are key to supporting body awareness. These activities help us fine-tune our movements, whether we are walking, running, hopping, skipping, or negotiating obstacles. Proprioceptive exercises can also improve precision, such as when kicking a ball or performing other coordinated tasks. Some examples of proprioceptive activities include:
- Push-ups
- Ball games
- Lifting weights
- Dancing
- Star jumps
- Monkey Bars
- Frog crawls
- Hopping
- Jogging
- Pushing and pulling heavy objects
- Assault courses
In some schools across America, sensory-friendly spaces have been adapted to support these systems, offering students the opportunity to engage in these activities as part of their daily routine.
Movement has a profound impact on how we feel and behave. By encouraging movement and sensory stimulation, we can help children, especially those who are neurodiverse, anxious, or who have experienced trauma, better regulate their emotions and behaviours. In my practice as a Family Learning Mentor, I’ve witnessed first hand how activities that engage the vestibular and proprioceptive systems can significantly reduce dysregulation in children. These activities provide a safe and effective way for children to release built-up energy and stress, promoting a sense of calm and improving their ability to self-regulate.
Integrating activities across a child’s day that engage the vestibular and proprioceptive systems can help support a child’s emotional regulation and physical coordination, enhancing overall well-being. When using physical sensory activities, adults should monitor the child’s response, ensure they are safe and that the activity is appropriate for their needs. Further support and resources can be found online (available via the links below and elsewhere). These can be used to create sensory-rich activities as an essential part of helping children thrive, both in the classroom and at home.
Mini Guide to Sensory Integration.docx
https://childrenandfamilyhealthdevon.nhs.uk/resources/proprioceptive-activities/
