Rehabilitation
At Home Rehabilitation Exercises
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8- Tossing Bean Bags
You can make bean bags as described below or purchase bean bags at a local store. Koosh® balls or Nurf® balls would also be appropriate.)
LEVEL 1 - Make beanbags with 2 socks and a one pound bag of dried beans. Divide the beans in half and put into each sock. Twist the “leg” of the sock and fold back down over the “foot” to close or they can be quickly and simply sewn shut. Beans can be added to the beanbag for more weight and more challenge. Start with just one ball or bag and toss it back and forth to the student. Ask the student to catch the ball/bag with both hands at first, if possible; in order to develop a rhythm. When both of you are comfortable with this, ask the student to catch the ball/bag with one hand only.
LEVEL 2 - If possible, switch back and forth between dominant and non-dominant hands.
LEVEL 3 - When this is achieved, give the student one ball or bag while you hold the other. Have the student throw his/her ball at the same time you throw yours. You will be throwing and catching at the same time and it is likely to be confusing or difficult at first. If after 5 trials the student is unable to do this go back to using only one ball at a time but varying the speeds and distances at which you throw.
LEVEL 4 - Set up a box or some type of target and ask the student to toss the beanbag or ball in the box or hit the target. Do this from varying distances using both hands. Get creative by doing “hook” shots, “bank” shots, and behind the back shots. This can be organized like a game, in which points are scored for hits and people must imitate the types of shots being made.
LEVEL 5 - Teach the student how to juggle, if possible, using at least 2 balls. This might be easier with tennis balls and should be done outside.
Taken from Tasks for Home-Based Cognitive Stimulation Program, the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dept. of P M & R, Birmingham, AL. © 1998-2003 University of Alabama at Birmingham