OBJECT:

This exercise is designed (1) to provide mild to moderate stimulation of the facial nerves and muscles, especially those related to oral-motor and visual-motor functions, (2) to encourage the binocular functions of convergence and divergence together with visual accommodations (change of focus from near point to far point), and (3) to gently stimulate the vestibular system (accomplished through tilting the head when necessary to give direct the ball to the goal or wicket, (4) strengthen the connections between the left and right cerebral hemispheres through the use of both sides of the mouth synchronously. This activity also strengthens the control of the ring (sphincter) muscles of the lips and throughout the entire body. It may also assist in developing breath control.

As with most HANDLE exercises, the goal is to increase the client's ability to respond automatically and efficiently to dynamic changes (in this case, proprioceptive and visual stimuli) in an integrated fashion. Because it works on so many different areas, this activity helps to develop numerous functions, among them articulation, facial affect (expressions), reading, copying skills, listening, mental focus, balance, language acquisition, bowel and bladder control, and endurance.

MATERIALS:

Special equipment required to perform this exercise is quite easy to make. For Blow Soccer, two twist-closures for plastic bags or paper clips bent into the shape of goal posts can be taped to the area where you want the goal. For Blow Croquet you will need nine, for the wickets.

Whether the game for you is soccer or croquet, choose the ball carefully.

For Blow Soccer you’ll want a ball that moves easily. A piece of cotton or a small wad of tissue paper fashioned into a ball will do quite well. (A Ping-Pong ball is generally too light and lively, although it may be appropriate for those just learning to blow who still have poor breath control.) For croquet, you need a ball that stops more readily and responsively. (A "Berry Bead" or faceted bead is suggested.)

PROCEDURE FOR BLOW SOCCER:

Two players to position themselves on opposite sides of a table onto which the goal posts have been taped. Place the "ball" in the center of the playing field, and on the count of three, each player begins to blow the ball toward the opposite goal, and to defend his or her own goal. No hands are allowed on the playing field. You may need to place a ruler on each side of the "field" to keep the "ball" from going out of bounds. You may establish as many formal soccer rules as you wish. Once you get a feel for the skill of the person with whom you are playing Blow Soccer, you should decide how many goals (for example, three) determine when the game is over. For both Blow Soccer and Blow Croquet, we like to add another rule: "The game is canceled on account of rain" whenever too much saliva is on the playing surface (from drooling or unintentional spitting).

PROCEDURE FOR BLOW CROQUET:

If you wish to play on a "regulation court," tape nine "wickets" down in the following fashion.

This regulation court is quite advanced and a whole game should not be tried at first. For the first few days, just blow the ball through a two or three wickets. Build up to the full court as skill and endurance increase. This game can be played with only one player, or with two or more players, each with a different color "ball." Begin with the "ball" at Start, and aim it through the first two wickets. Then go toward the wicket on the right in the lowest row. From there, blow towards the wicket in the middle, then to the lower right hand wicket, and then from (Left to right) through the two wickets at the end of the field. At this point reverse the path, from the two wickets at the right, through the upper right wicket, to the middle, the upper left, and then through the two wickets (from right to left) returning to Start. .When more than one person is playing, you may want to play by the rules for lawn croquet: Each player takes a turn. If the player succeeds in blowing the ball through a wicket, s/he then gets an additional turn. Other tournament regulations can be applied if desired.

A NOTE ON COMPETITON:

Remember that while for some individuals, competition makes the game more interesting, for others it diminishes motivation. Use common sense in determining when to engage a competitive nature.

ADJUSTMENTS:

For individuals whose balance, muscle tone and/or motor planning is weak, in addition to visual functions, someone else may need to guide the activity, remembering to monitor state changes at the same time. Make sure to stop at the first sign of a facial flush, reddening of the ears, dizziness, disorientation, or change in muscle tone (either getting limp or tense).. There are a large number of ways to customize this exercise, so each individual who needs to enhance his or her functioning can gain benefit from it.

If you are a caregiver for a small child or a person with extremely weak motor control (and does not have strong problems of being held), you can seat the child in your lap. This will free the child to concentrate on the game. It can also help develop a relationship of trust between you.