Steamroller Deluxe for Pediatric Sensory Play

Similar to Temple Grandin's hug machine, the Steamroller Deluxe provides sensory stimulation that helps integrate the senses. Used as part of a sensory diet, the therapeutic device results in better behavior and more of an ability to focus. There are a variety of exercises and activities that can be used with the Steamroller Deluxe to help balance the mind and the body.

To use, the client kneels in front of the occupational therapy device. They will then push themselves between the foam rollers, with the hands and feet entering first. The arms, head, neck, and shoulders will move through the rollers. Clients can rest in the rollers for sustained deep pressure therapy. They can also roll back and forth, or continue moving through the rollers. These activities help improve visual focus and attention.

If clients are sensitive to pressure on their head, the therapist can manually lift the upper rollers, allowing the client to get in the device without having to have their head go through the rollers. The rollers can then be lowered down for the application of deep pressure therapy to the rest of the body.

To adjust pressure, the loops can be positioned in the brackets on the side of the Deluxe Steamroller according to desired pressure levels. The top hook of the bracket produces less pressure, and the lower hook produces more pressure.

For active, sensory-seeking clients, the Steamroller can be set up with crash pads near the device's exit point. Clients can be directed to slide and crash into the crash pad. Sitting on top of the Steamroller during eye-hand coordination activities helps increase core stability. It can also be used to strengthen bilateral coordination and gross motor skills by sitting on top of and using the feet to rebound a ball that the therapists throws.