astronaut training: a sound activated visual protocol The astronaut training protocol, devised by Mary Kawar (OT), may enhance moving, looking and listening. Astronaut training describes the complex process of preparing astronauts in regions around the world for their space missions before, during and after the flight, which includes medical tests, physical training, extra-vehicular activity (EVA) training, procedure training, rehabilitation process, as well as training on experiments they will accomplish during their stay in space. The spinning protocol was developed by Mary Kawar MS, OTR after years of researching and studying the vestibular system. Jenn and Jenny discuss common concerns among young children, broken bones due to high activity levels and the “astronaut training program” therapy technique. Vestibular system is a very important component of Sensory integration. Astronaut Training is a precise, powerful, therapeutic protocol that is designed to to develop optimal vestibular function, an essential foundation for all sensory processing and movement control.This protocol is administered by occupational and physical therapists that have received advanced education (certification) through Vital Links, Inc. Bay Path University’s Occupational Therapy pro-grams have been training students to become highly competent and qualified practitioners for more than 20 years. The "Astronaut Training" protocol has become one of the most popular continuing education courses for occupational therapists. Astronaut Training: A Sound Activated Vestibular-Visual Protocol. The vestibular system, tactile system and the proprioceptive system form the base on which we build the skills of any child. However, the importance of administering precise vestibular input that is integrated with specific sound and vision input is only beginning to be acknowledged. Spinning Protocol. Adding tools to our ‘tool bag’ is essential for good practice. Astronaut Training – Another Tool for the Occupational Therapist By Laura Wolf, MS, OTR/L Kids Place Pediatric Occupational Therapist. As therapists, we are always looking for relevant strategies to help the kids we treat. Astronaut Training Sensory integration is widely used by Occupational therapists across the world. Members of the OT staff have worked in the NICU, and have also participated as adjunct faculty members at a local university. THE SPINNING PROTOCOL. David broke his arm falling off a swing, and was already an occupational therapy patient. Astronaut Training is a precise, powerful, therapeutic protocol that is designed to to develop optimal vestibular function, an essential foundation for all sensory processing and movement control. This protocol is administered by occupational and physical therapists that have received advanced education (certification) through Vital Links, Inc. They receive ongoing continuing education specifically in the field of pediatrics. Vestibular enhancement has always been central to sensory integration practice. The programme uses a rotating board, upon which the person sits/lies and is spun according to the protocol. She determined that in order to optimally stimulate and organize the vestibular system, it was necessary to stimulate all three pairs of semicircular canals. Kawar estimates that she and colleague Sheila M. Frick, OTR, have trained more than 10,000 occupational therapists through their company Vital Links since they published their Our occupational therapists have a wide variety of training. The precise stimulation of the vestibular system involves stimulating all the 5 Occupational Therapy, PLLC. Bay Path offers an ACOTE-accredited Mas-ter of Occupational Therapy; an OTA/PTA-to-MOT Bridge program; and our newest addition, a 100% online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. 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