Overview
Just as exercise strengthens muscles, the heart, lungs, and bones, it also strengthens key areas of the brain involved in attention, memory, and learning. Aerobic exercise fuels the brain with oxygen, and evidence from brain imaging, anatomical studies, and clinical research shows that moderate exercise enhances cognitive processing and increases the number of brain cells. An added benefit is its role in reducing childhood obesity. When physical activity includes skill-based or complex movements, it further strengthens and expands the brain’s neural networks—the more complex the movements, the more complex and robust the synaptic connections.
This program, led by occupational therapists, incorporates treadmill-based aerobic exercise paired with novel movement sequences to target postural strength and visual-motor skills. These foundational skills support carryover into improved self-organization, attention, coordination, and gait. TAAP treadmill protocols are followed by complex motor skill activities designed to address a wide range of movement and bilateral coordination skills—all in a fun and engaging environment.
Participants must be able to remain in the room without a parent present, demonstrate safe body awareness with peers, and maintain appropriate safety awareness around a treadmill.
Children Who Will Benefit:
Ambulatory children who present with difficulties in attention, visual motor coordination, bilateral coordination, and/or gait fluidity can all benefit from this program. Children should enjoy working in an environment with other children participating and must be able to separate from caregivers. This program is most appropriate for children 8 - 12 years old.
Objectives:
- Improve walking pattern efficiency and fluidity
- Improve visual motor coordination for improved participation in school and/or recreational class settings
- Improve bilateral coordination skills
- Improve general fitness, endurance and strength
- Provide opportunities for social interaction, turn-taking and fun
Dates, Times, & Location
Mondays: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
at Villa Park Location
How Do I Get Started?
Contact us at focusedtherapy@eastersealsdfvr.org or Brenda Delgado at 847.742.3264 to ask questions and register for any of our programs.
