OBJECT:

This exercise develops a high level of integrative functions, but requires adequate balance as well as muscle tone and moderate endurance. Since it involves hopping, the vestibular system is stimulated. And if visual cues are incorporated, then the vestibulo-ocular functions are enhanced. Some with orthopedic, cardiovascular, and other impairments have changed the hopping pattern to hand tapping with significant results.

 

MATERIALS:

Generally this exercise is performed on the ground. Some will derive additional benefit by performing it on a small trampoline, which forces additional focus on movements, and which breaks the impact of the bounce. The trampoline, however, provides a somewhat different rhythmic pattern, since its natural rebound must be ignored when shifting from one foot to the other in the basic movement pattern.

PROCEDURES:

To begin, stand in an open area, and begin hopping on your non-dominant leg. Hop twice on the non-dominant leg, then smoothly transfer to hop once on the dominant leg, and then repeat this pattern until it becomes smooth and rhythmic. Some are helped initially by reciting the name of the leg on which they are hopping (e.g. left-left-right; for right footed individuals). If your dominant leg is not determined, presume that it is the same as the dominant hand (the hand with which you write or throw.).

When you are hopping rhythmically, note any unusual body movements including mouth or tongue movements, which should be quieted before continuing with the advanced stages of this exercise. While attempting to quiet the additional movements (through stabilization with props, such as holding a broom handle with both hands), attempt to converse with another person to measure the degree the movement pattern has become automatic. You should be able to converse without breaking the sequence.

Once you are capable of maintaining the pattern, with no extraneous movements, and while conversing, begin the advanced level variations.

Variation I:

Every time you hop on the dominant leg, count. Every time you hop on the non-dominant leg you are to be silent, but remember where you were with the dominant count. The first hop on the dominant leg is 1, the second, 2, etc. Counting patterns can be changed to include counting backwards, counting by 2's, by 5's, etc.

Variation II:

Every time you hop on the dominant leg, you are to recite the letters of the alphabet in order. The reverse order is much more challenging, of course.

Variation III:

As you begin a hopping pattern, determine a word to be spelled. You are to spell the word, one letter at a time, simultaneously with each hop on the dominant foot.

Variation IV:

As you begin a hopping pattern, provide yourself with a sentence to be recalled. You are to state each word of the sentence in order simultaneously with each hop on the dominant foot. (This exercise is particularly valuable for those who think faster than they speak and forget what they are saying.) The hopping pattern can be altered when these tasks become too simple. The pattern should remain unequal, with the non-dominant leg hopping more than the dominant. A pattern of left-left-left-right-right or of left-left-left-right is the first logical alteration. As the number of hops on the dominant leg increase, the of numbers, letters, words, should aslo increase (e.g. left-left-left-The-quick-left-left-left-brown-fox-ect.)

 

This activity could include visual cues, such as viewing a flash card when the hops are on the non-dominant foot, and stating what was on the card while hopping on the dominant foot. For those whose counting requires support of a numberline, the advantage of being able to rely on visual cues is significant.