Dear D. Lynch,
The Brain Gym® exercises are not strenuous. They are self actuated movement activities like Cross Crawl which is essentially walking in place, this can be done sitting or lying while moving arms and legs, or Lazy 8s which is tracking the hand with the eyes in a figure 8 on its side pattern. I have worked with some students experiencing low tone whom I observed some positive changes in and other Brain Gym instructors report positive changes with students experiencing PDD though these were not scientifically controlled situations.
The Brain Gym® activities are intended for educational purposes only and meant to be used as learning readiness activities to help the person develop and practice sensory-motor skills for related learning skills. They are not meant to be a treatment for any psychological or medical condition and will not “cure” any condition. They may help the person cope with their situation a little better by relieving some of the challenges and stresses presented by sensory integration difficulties. They also seem to me to help the person learn new ways, or areas of the brain and pathways for processes in the brain and reconnect some of the old in new ways, to gain/regain some skills. As with any exercise program please consult with your physician before starting the Brain Gym exercise program.
Best Wishes,
Dave Saunders
