At that time there was a theory within neuroscience called psychomotor patterning, which was in turn based upon the idea that ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny. It is no surprise that the Dennisons formulated this idea in the 1970’s. Rather, the premise is that very specific physical movements change the brain so that it functions better, actually changing the hard wiring of the brain – improving just about any task. People who are physically active tend to be more mentally active as well. The kernel of truth to this (keeping in mind that the claims for Edu-K go way beyond this) is that physical activity is stimulating and does have generic biological benefits that do correlate with an improved ability to focus and concentrate. The basic premise of Edu-K is that physical movements can improve the hardwiring and processing of the brain – beyond mere “muscle memory” and the learning of physical tasks.
For more than 30 years and in over 80 countries, we have been helping children, adults, and seniors to: We are a worldwide network dedicated to enhancing living and learning through the science of movement. The official Brain Gym website claims that:īrain Gym includes 26 easy and enjoyable targeted activities that integrate body and mind to bring about rapid and often dramatic improvements in: concentration, memory, reading, writing, organizing, listening, physical coordination, and more. Unfortunately, Edu-K is little more than pseudoscientific wishful thinking and an example of researchers who refused to abandon their (lucrative) claims simply because they are wrong. Brain Gym is widely used in the UK, Canada, and other countries – incorporated into the public school systems. The method, referred to as “educational kinesiology,” (Edu-K) is the brainchild of Paul and Gail Dennison, who first proposed it in the 1970’s. I was recently asked to evaluate the claims of the Brain Gym – a system of physical movements and exercises that are purported to improve mental function.
0 kommentar(er)
