Motopedics refers to motopedagogy and mototherapy, which are combined in the generic term motopedics. The focus of motopedics is movement. Used motopedics in children, adolescents and adults to promote development.
What is motopedics
The focus of motopedics is movement. Used motopedics in children, adolescents and adults to promote development. Fundamentally, motopedics is rooted in the concept of psychomotricity. The mind (psycho) and the movement (motor) unite to a whole. Motopedia is a method based on movement education and therapeutic methods. The aim of the motopaedists is to train the body as a unit, where the connection with movement and the psyche of the person is significant. The external influences of the environment play a decisive role. The motor behavior of children, adolescents and adults should be improved through sensorimotor and psychomotor support. This means that the interaction between the human body during movement and the human psyche interact. This includes movement processes such as speaking or walking. Depending on the personality of the person being treated, a distinction is made between an educational-preventive or therapeutic-rehabilitative method.
Function, effect and goals
If motopedics is used, its goal is to bring about an improvement in physical perception. Likewise, posture and coordination are to be trained. In this context, the orientation in a space and the self-perception and perception of others. By the use of sport-scientific realizations the Motopäde trains likewise the strength of the muscles and the physical as well as mental perseverance. The training of the sense of balance plays an essential role. Psychomotricity has a particularly great importance in therapies with children. The pedagogical concept can promote the child’s personality development through a combination of movement and play. Movement is the focus of therapy and is thus intended to facilitate the child’s learning. Not only general development is promoted, but also social responsibility. Motopedics focuses on the strengths of the patient and the therapy methods are based on these strengths. Motopedics can be the right form of therapy for children who show abnormalities such as frequent stumbling, disorientation or restlessness. In the case of concentration disorders and fear of physical contact and foreign materials, a playful form of motopedics can bring about a significant improvement. Children are accustomed to new materials through experimentation. It is important that they are not under pressure and can explore things on their own. In this way, fear is gradually taken away. In the case of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), or children who show delayed development that does not correspond to their age, the doctor advises therapy by motopedagogues. Motopedagogy is “education through movement” and thus promotes the child in an individual way. In sensory integration disorder (SI), the child is not able to process sensory impressions. No corresponding emotional reaction can be triggered in the brain. If symptoms such as delayed speech development or hyperactivity become apparent, a therapy is developed based on the child’s individual stage of development. In a playful atmosphere, the child should learn to perceive itself and to act actively. Gradually, the child finds confidence in himself and his own body. Feelings are perceived accordingly. The child develops self-assurance, self-confidence and trains independence. The pediatrician usually recognizes during the early detection examination whether it is necessary to treat the child.But not only for children motopedics is a suitable therapy method. For people suffering from dementia, movement stimulates the brain‘s performance. The blood circulation is improved and the oxygen supply to the brain increases. Due to dementia, mental functions are impaired and in the long term, thinking ability and concentration suffer. The symptoms of the disease spread and orientation disorders and personality changes appear at a later stage of dementia.Through the movement used, all areas of the mental capacity are stressed. The person receiving therapy must be able to concentrate and react actively and coordinate correctly during the movements. The movement offer for people with or without dementia is summarized under the term Motogeragogik.
Risks, side effects and dangers
Motogeragogy is a risk-free therapy option to help children and adults with basics of everyday life. The therapy is based on each patient’s functional motor skills and can therefore be customized. The individual is optimally supported and trained. No pressure is to be exerted during the treatment, but joy is to be conveyed. In order to be able to implement exactly these goals, an individual therapy plan is drawn up after the initial getting-to-know phase between the Motopaedist and the patient. Generally, the therapy is used as individual therapy. A maximum of four people can be treated at the same time. The therapy is carried out by state-approved motopaedagogues, who are allowed to practice the profession after graduating from a specialized school. The training enables them to work in all fields of activity and with all target groups. It is possible to work in institutions of movement kindergartens, in the form of early intervention in a day care center or in workshops for people with disabilities. In facilities for the elderly and in outpatient services, motopedagogues are indispensable professionals. Many trained motopedagogues work in an independent practice or in cooperation with a medical or educational specialist.
