Brain gym 26 basic movements how to#

This brain network also includes brain areas other than the ones mentioned above, which we will not described in detail here. But, even for something as simple as picking up a glass, complex mechanisms and interactions in the brain are necessary to successfully perform the grasping movement, which activates a large network in the brain. Generally, “simple” movements, such as picking up a glass, happen in a relatively automatic and unconscious way, meaning that you do not have to concentrate or focus very much to perform simple movements. For instance, the muscles of the feet are controlled by the upper parts of the primary motor cortex near the top of the head, while facial muscles are controlled by the lower parts of the primary motor cortex, next to the ear ( Figure 1). Different parts of the primary motor cortex control different muscles. The primary motor cortex ( Figure 1, blue part of the brain) gives the commands to the muscles to perform movements. The supplementary motor area or SMA ( Figure 1, yellow part of the brain) plans single movements and sequences of movements and coordinates the left and right sides of the body. The premotor cortex ( Figure 1, green part of the brain) is involved in preparation and planning of movements, but it also has a role in controlling movements. Specific areas in the brain are responsible for planning, controlling, and performing movements ( Figure 1). But how can the simple process of imagining movements improve motor skills? The answer lies in the brain, which is responsible for planning, coordinating, and performing movements. Scientists have discovered that motor imagery is important for learning motor skills, such as serving the ball in tennis, perfecting a pirouette in ballet, or even relearning to pick up a glass of water after a brain injury. Imagining movements without actually doing them is called “ motor imagery”. Your mind has the awesome ability to imagine such a movement without actually performing it by muscular activity. Then imagine how it feels to land with your feet apart and to lower your arms to your sides. Imagine bending down low and then jumping straight up in the air as high as possible, with both arms extended above your head. This is how exercising using movement imagery works.

Movement imagery activates injured brain areas and leads to improvements in motor functions. Recovery can be boosted by additionally imagining moving the affected limb.

Brain gym 26 basic movements how to#

So, you have to have physiotherapy to relearn how to perform specific movements and let injured brain areas recover. When motor areas of the brain are damaged due to an injury, for example, if you hurt your head during an accident, your motor functions might be impaired. The fact that actual movement and imaginary movement activate similar brain areas can be used to improve motor functions, such as hand or foot movements. But the motor areas are not only involved when you actually perform a movement, they are also activated when you imagine performing movements. When you shoot some hoops or kick a ball, the areas in your brain responsible for planning, coordinating, and performing movements are active.