Vision, Gross Motor, and Academic skills linked

In her book, Debra Widmer-Reyes states that “limited visual attention and independent participation in the classroom is related to decreased integration of the visual processing and gross motor system” and believes her treadmill protocol strengthens that link.¹ Very recently, correlations between aerobic exercise and correct academic responding were demonstrated by Oriel et al in young students with autism, with carryover effects up to 30 minutes after exercise.²

1.   Widmer-Reyes D. Treadmill for Students with Autism and Apraxia Protocol (TAAP) in the Classroom. Available at: http://www.taap-project.com/#!about. Accessed May 1, 2011.

2.   Widmer-Reyes D. Treadmill for students with Autism and Apraxia Protocol 2 (TAAP2): Providing Opportunities to Learn. Indianapolis: IBJ Book Publishing, 2009.

3.   Oriel KN, George CL, Peckus R et al. The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Academic Engagement in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatr Phys Ther 2011;23:187–193.