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6 Vestibular
Vestibular
The vestibular sense is often called our movement or balance sense. Like proprioception, it is a lesser-known sense. It is working tirelessly in the background to help with balance, coordination, attention, stillness and movement. It also helps with emotional regulation.
The receptors for this sense sit in the middle ear in a part called the vestibule. This is where the vestibular system gets its name. This organ processes information about head movement. It lets the brain know how fast the head is moving, which direction it is going and how high it is off the ground. Adequate processing of this information is required for balance and movement. Functionally, it supports postural control and coordination.
In addition to supporting balance, the vestibular system helps to control visual attention and eye movements and to keep our gaze steady. This includes the ability to scan when reading and also to shift focus between the board, the teacher and work on the pupil’s desk during lessons. It also helps to maintain alertness and attention.
When sitting in the classroom, a pupil is constantly relying on their vestibular sense. The vestibular sense helps them to sit upright and to have enough endurance to stay seated for an entire lesson. Some pupils might move about and rock on their chair when this sense isn’t working well (Idea 7).
Teaching tip
Individuals who have problems processing vestibular information often rely on vision to support their balance. This means that they struggle with their balance more when they have to then use their eyes to look at something else, like a ball. So they are much more likely to fall over or trip or be quite uncoordinated in PE.
Taking it further
Too much vestibular sensory input can make a pupil feel sick. Everyone has different thresholds. There are those who love to be on the rides and to spin, and others who hate it, and this is because everyone has different thresholds for vestibular sensory input.
