Pediatric Tumble Forms Vestibulator Therapy, Swings And Swing Frames

Sensory Integration and Vestibular Therapy

As a method of using the information given by the external environment, sensory integration refers to how human beings process and organize this information about sights, sounds, textures, smells, tastes and movements, so that they can respond in a healthy and functional way. Senses work together to create a more reliable observation and experience of the world and our place within it, helping us to know who we are, where we are, and what is happening around us.

When a child has a challenge of sensory integration dysfunction because of developmental delays, autism, or other disorders that cause sensory processing problems, he or she will experience great difficulty in trying to discern what is going on inside and outside of the body. Children with sensory processing disorders (SPD) may either avoid these confusing or distressing sensations, or may be “sensory seekers” that constantly try to find these sensations. Either way, without therapy intervention, healthy sensory integration will not develop well in these affected individuals.

As a function of the overall sensory system, the vestibular system helps us detect movement, gravitational pull, and positional changes of the head, while it also helps us control balance. The effects of vestibular dysfunction in children is similar to overall sensory integration dysfunction; some children will have confusing and fearful reactions to usually fun activities such as swings or slides and avoid these movements, while others will incessantly seek out excessive movement, such as constant spinning or whirling.

Sensory integration and vestibular therapies generally involve a variety of specific movement protocols, dependent upon what each client requires. A host of different swings are often used to engender enhanced function of the entire sensory system, and young patients will not only complete this therapy at a clinic, but are encouraged to continue the therapy process at home, as well.

What are Tumble Forms Vestibulator Therapy Systems?

Our Tumble Forms Vestibulator II and III Therapy Systems from Patterson Medical are free-standing therapy frames that provide a range of various therapies often utilized with ceiling-mounted systems. Because ceiling suspensions can be expensive and very hard to install, if not done correctly they are also very unsafe. They are also permanent, and may be impossible to move somewhere else when the need arises.

The Vestibulator Therapy Systems are much easier to set up, and they are also simpler to take down and move to another location. Yet, they are extremely tough and durable, and will stand up to repeated and constant usage, such as that required by a busy clinic or facility. Many parents with special needs children have also purchased them to use at home, in order to keep therapy going between visits to the therapist, and to reach physical and occupational goals more quickly.

Both the Vestibulator II and the Vestibulator III Systems can be adjusted in height to enable quick positional changes, and both can be used indoors or outdoors, although they should be protected by the elements with a cover if used outdoors. Because of its 360-degree vertical rotation system, the Vestibulator allows for a vast range of different therapies, such as complete range of motion exercises, direct flexion and vertical stimulation. Aside from swinging, this mechanism can also be set in a stable position for stationary applications.

The Vestibulator II accommodates a working load of 500 pounds, while the Vestibulator III accommodates 300 pounds. All of the accessory pieces are lightweight and easy to move; they include a flex rope with ascenders, swing, mat, net swing (with positioning seat), flexidisc, roll swing, prone net swing, platform swing, and cross-bar swing adapter. Both Vestibulator models are easy and quick to assemble; the II version is styled like a regular swing set, while the III version is a U-shape.

Rehabmart is pleased to offer a wide selection of Tumble Forms Vestibulator Systems from such superior quality vendor as Patterson Medical.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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