Why Spin Your Body

Individuals who have not spun since childhood exhibit a “deconditioned” vestibular system due to the lack of use of neural pathways through the vestibular nucleus. As we age, we become more “linear” in our movement, also contributing to a deconditioned vestibular nucleus. This occurs over time as the unused pathways become dormant, leading to an erosion of one’s ability to recover from a stumble.

By spinning these individuals in a controlled and safe environment, we can “recondition” their vestibular system by awakening these neural pathways that have become dormant. During the novel experience of being spun to initiate imbalance, there’s a release of catecholamines, which have been shown as a necessary component to neuroplasticity and learning.

This all results in:

• Improved balance due to the reactivation of the vestibular system’s ability to sense and interpret movement.
• Improved visual tracking via the Vestibular Ocular reflex, as the vestibular system’s inputs are integrated with visual information to facilitate more accurate eye movements.
• Enhanced spatial awareness as the vestibular system’s ability to detect changes in position and movement is restored.