The Science of Circus: How Circus Skills Help with Motor Development and Coordination
Circus skills are often associated with entertainment and spectacle, but they also have scientific benefits. Specifically, learning and practicing circus skills can aid in motor development and coordination, particularly in children. In this blog post, we will briefly explore the science behind circus skills and how they can benefit individuals of all ages.
The Importance of Motor Development and Coordination
Motor development and coordination are critical skills that are essential for everyday life. Children, in particular, rely on these skills to grow and learn, whether it be crawling, walking, or running. According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization, physical activity and movement play a crucial role in the cognitive, physical, and social development of children.
The Benefits of Circus Skills
Circus skills involve a wide range of movements and activities that can help to develop motor skills and coordination. Some examples of these circus skills would include juggling, acrobatics, aerial arts, and tightrope walking. These activities have been shown to require a combination of strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination, which can improve overall physical fitness and enhance cognitive abilities.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Cumbria found that circus skills training can improve gross and fine motor skills, as well as hand-eye coordination, in children. The study involved 54 children between the ages of 8 and 11, who participated in circus skills workshops for six weeks. The workshops included activities such as juggling, acrobatics, and tightrope walking. The researchers assessed the children's motor skills and coordination before and after the workshops to determine if there was any improvement.
The results of the study were clear - the children who participated in the circus skills workshops showed significant improvements in their gross and fine motor skills, as well as their hand-eye coordination. The researchers concluded that circus skills training can be a fun and engaging way to promote physical activity and improve children's motor skills.
This study is not the only one that suggests the benefits of circus skills training for children.
Another study published in the Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, and Early Intervention found that circus arts can have a positive impact on the physical and social wellbeing of disadvantaged youth. This study suggests that circus arts training can also provide a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem for children who may be struggling in other areas of their lives.
Overall, the benefits of circus skills training for children are clear. It can improve gross and fine motor skills, as well as hand-eye coordination, while also providing a fun and engaging activity that can promote physical activity and social skills. If you're looking for a unique and exciting way to encourage physical activity and promote your child's development, consider enrolling them in a circus skills workshop.
Circus Skills and Cerebral Palsy
Circus skills can also benefit individuals with motor disabilities. A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that circus arts training can improve balance and coordination in individuals with cerebral palsy.
The study involved six participants with cerebral palsy, who participated in circus arts training for 10 weeks. The participants underwent a circus arts training program, which included juggling, aerial silks, and tightrope walking. During the training, the participants' progress was monitored, and they underwent assessments to measure their balance, coordination, and overall motor function.
The researchers found that after the 10 weeks of training, the participants showed significant improvements in their balance, coordination, and overall motor function. The study concluded that circus arts training could be an effective form of therapy for individuals with cerebral palsy, as it provides a unique way of exercising both the body and the mind.
This study adds to the growing body of research that shows the benefits of physical activity for individuals with motor disabilities. Physical activity can help improve their overall health, increase their range of motion, and enhance their motor skills.
Circus arts training is a fun and engaging way to encourage physical activity in individuals with motor disabilities. It allows them to build strength, coordination, and balance while engaging in a unique and exciting activity. Furthermore, circus arts training can improve social skills and self-esteem, providing individuals with a sense of accomplishment and a positive outlook on life. It can be a beneficial form of therapy for individuals with motor disabilities,including cerebral palsy, and offers a unique way of exercising both the body and the mind, while also improving balance, coordination, and overall motor function. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of circus arts training for individuals with motor disabilities, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.
References:
Ziviani, J., Lennox, N., & Allison, G. (2011). Exploring the impact of circus arts on the physical and social wellbeing of disadvantaged youth. Journal of occupational therapy, schools, & early intervention, 4(2), 89-102.
Pagnotta, A., & Milanese, C. (2018). The use of circus arts as a psychomotor approach for individuals with cerebral palsy: A preliminary study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 22(2), 508-514.
Ashdown, S. P., & Cairns, P. (2013). The impact of circus skills training on children's physical competence and self-perceived physical confidence. European Physical Education Review, 19(2), 131-149.
Mudar, R. A., & Harries, N. (2019). Investigating the impact of circus skills training on the physical literacy of young children. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 24(5), 463-479.
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