Movement Matters

by Kim Barthel and Bob Spensley

Every move we make, the connections throughout our bodies and within our brains are firing. Even when our movements may be extremely complex and beneficial to our survival, most of the time they are completely taken for granted. Especially with neurotypical able-bodied people, we are seldom conscious of how we put one foot in front of the other, reach for a glass of orange juice or even jump on a bike.

More than increasing our quality of life from a basic survival point of view, movement plays a significant role in our connecting with people and in supporting our physical and emotional health. Neuroscience is increasingly showing that movement improves our cognition and ability to learn. Additionally, movement contributes to our interoception (awareness of the body’s sensations from within), consciousness and sense of self.

When movement doesn’t come as easily, for example with individuals with Cerebral Palsy and often Autism Spectrum Disorder, there are ways that therapists can offer support. Neuro-Developmental Treatment is one frame of reference that Kim is very familiar with. As an Advanced NDT OT Instructor, she is often invited to share her experience and knowledge in this area. Most recently, Kim was interviewed by Serena Suman from Italy about the value of movement particularly with kids on the spectrum, and here is a video of their conversation.

Movement is an essential part of living, and one that merits us taking responsibility for. As Kim’s NDT mentor (Regi Boehme, OTR) told her “We are responsible for our bodies and how they move, for our whole life.”