Cross Creep Backward

Purpose:

• Develops organization of the midbrain area of the brain.

• Positively impacts the endocrine and immune systems.

• Encourages lateralization development (establishing dominance for eye, ear, hand and foot to improve long term memory).

• Can improve eye-hand coordination and convergence.

Supplies: Floor mats, carpet or soft grass

Instructions:

• Client gets in a position on hands and knees.

• Hand and opposite knee move backwards and hit ground at the same time. Sometimes this is difficult so assistant(s) can help motor client through the proper movements.

• The other hand and opposite knee then move backwards and land on the ground at the same time.

• Synchronization and smooth rhythmic movements are important for growing the nerve pathways in the brain correctly so assistance may be needed for the first few months.

• Slow motions are ok at first so the brain can process and learn something new.

• Once client is comfortable with cross creep backwards you can vary the speed-sometimes slow or medium or fast.

• Fingers remain flat on floor and straight ahead.

• Head is up and eyes look forward except for an occasional glance backwards for safety.