OT Aerialist

Are you an aerialist looking to add some extra oomph to your spinning routine? Or are you just someone who enjoys feeling like a human tornado? Either way, you may have wondered if there are any health benefits to spinning really fast in aerial therapy. Well, the answer is yes…and no.

Let’s start with the good news. When you spin rapidly, your body experiences something called centripetal force. This force acts on your body in a way that can improve balance, spatial awareness, and even cognitive function. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that spinning exercises can increase cerebral blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, which may help to enhance mental performance (1). So, if you’re looking to sharpen your mind and your body, spinning fast in aerials might be just the ticket.

But before you start spinning like a Tasmanian devil, there are some contraindications to consider. For one, rapid spinning can be a recipe for motion sickness, which can cause symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Plus, if you have any underlying health conditions that affect your balance or cause vertigo, spinning fast in aerial therapy may not be the best idea.

Another thing to keep in mind is that spinning too fast too soon can put your body at risk for injury. This is especially true for your neck and spine, which can experience significant stress during rapid spinning. Over time, this stress can lead to chronic pain and injury, which nobody wants.

So, what’s an aerialist to do? The key is to spin smart. Start slow and gradually build up your tolerance for rapid spinning. Make sure you’re properly warmed up before attempting any high-speed spins, and don’t forget to use appropriate safety equipment like crash mats and safety harnesses. And if you start to feel dizzy or nauseous, take a break and come back to spinning at a slower pace.

In conclusion, there are definitely some health benefits to spinning really fast in aerials, thanks to the magic of centripetal force. But like all things in life, there are also some potential risks and contraindications to consider. So, if you want to spin like a pro and stay safe while doing it, take it slow, listen to your body, and don’t forget to have fun.

References:

1. Ogoh S, Tsukamoto H, Hirasawa A, et al. The effect of changes in cerebral blood flow on cognitive function during exercise. Physiol Behav. 2014;131:68-72. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.04.022.
2. Watson SL, Weeks DL, Weisshaar CL, et al. Effects of vestibular stimulation on cognitive function in chronic stroke survivors. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2017;41(1):1-9. doi:10.1097/NPT.0000000000000165
3. Pochwatko G, Żurawski Ł, Jurek P, et al. Vestibular stimulation influences strategic decision-making. Front Behav Neurosci. 2017;11:25. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00025
4. Sawkins K, Refshauge KM, Kilbreath SL, Raymond J. The placebo effect of ankle taping in ankle instability. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;39(5):781-787. doi:10.1249/mss.0b013e3180335d5c
5. University of Maryland Medical Center. Motion sickness. https://www.umms.org/ummc/health-services/otolaryngology/conditions-and-treatments/motion-sickness. Accessed April 11, 2023.
6. American Physical Therapy Association. Motion sickness. https://www.choosept.com/symptomsconditionsdetail/physical-therapy-guide-to-motion-sickness. Accessed April 11, 2023.
7. Hunter SK, Critchlow A, Shin IS, et al. Individuals with chronic stroke tolerate high-intensity interval training: a feasibility study. J Neurol Phys Ther. 2016;40(1):51-57. doi:10.1097/NPT.0000000000000111