The therapeutic use of a Beyblade...

So after playing Beyblades for over an hour with a sick Mudget today, I did whatever any mom who happens to be an Occupational Therapist would do: I did an Activity Analysis’ of the Beyblade.

For those of you who aren’t privy to “Letting it Rip,” a Beyblade is a line of high-spinning tops distributed by Hasbro(http://www.beyblade.com), costing usually under $10 depending on type and where you go.  Activity Analysis is basically the ability to justify anything as therapeutic.  As an Occupational Therapist, I use the therapeutic use of play (in this case) to increase independent function, enhance development and prevent disability.  OT may also include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance quality of life. 

Because an activity analysis can be very looooonnnnggggg, I decided to only pick a few items to share,.  So here it goes:

Performance Area: Play

Performance Components:

You need to be able to grasp the top and the launcher (bilateral coordination, dexterity, strength, tone, praxis). 

Then you need to lace the rip stick into the launcher (visual motor integration, midline, dexterity, praxis)

You need to be able to gauge your force with which you pull the rip stick (proprioception, tactile, right/left discrimination)

You need to be able to aim for the battle stadium (depth perception, figure ground, spatial relations, position in space).

You need to be able to hear your opponent (auditory processing) as well as say “1, 2, 3, Let it rip” (oral motor control, functional communication,).

You need to be able to pull the rip stick to engage into battle (range of motion, strength, postural control). 

Once in battle, you must be able to wait to see who will be the last Beyblade standing (postural control, endurance, level of arousal, attention span). 

Then if you lose, you must be a good loser (Values, interests, Self concept, Role performance, Social conduct, Interpersonal skills, Self expression, Coping skills,  Self control)

Performance Context:

Recommended age is 8 and up (temporal aspects)

It must be allowed in your home (cultural, social and physical)

Imagine, it just took a Bachelors’ in Science to do this. And Kyle thinks all I do all day is play with kids.  So next time you have an argument with someone about something you or your kids want to buy, try using activity analysis to justify it.  You will be amazed with the results…