Dyslexia is a disorder that affects 1 out of every 10 individuals, reports Rebecca Leung for 60 Minutes (February 11, 2009). It's a debilitating condition that causes a scrambling of letters, blurred words and makes reading, spelling, focusing and comprehending texts difficult if not, impossible. Cases can range from mild to severe. Scientists argue that dyslexia is caused by immature neural impulses in the cerebellum. A small English study, published in the journal "Dyslexia," indicates that exercise treatment is effective in improving reading fluency. Simple exercises like tossing a ball or jumping help retrain the neural pathways in the cerebellum and may reduce the symptoms of dyslexia. Although the exercises seem childish, they are appropriate for dyslexia sufferers of all ages.
Step 1
Balance on one leg for as long as you can with your eyes open. When you lose your balance, switch legs. Once you feel confident balancing on one leg, try performing this exercise with your eyes closed.
Step 2
Jump on one leg for as long as you can. Try to jump in the same spot and switch legs when you have tired. Bring your arms out to the sides if you need some extra help balancing.
Step 3
Bounce a ball at a wall. Draw a small square on the wall and try to hit the square every time. Let the ball bounce once before catching it. Try to keep your eye on the ball the entire time.
Step 4
Play catch with a friend. Throw a tennis ball, baseball or football back and forth. Practice catching high throws, low throws and bouncing balls. Try to keep your eye on the ball the entire time instead of sticking your arms out in front of you hoping that you'll catch the ball.
Step 5
Toss a beanbag from one hand to the other.
Tips and Warnings
- If your doctor recommends exercise therapy, he will prescribe an exercise routine especially tailored for you.
- Consult your doctor to determine if your have dyslexia and whether or not exercise therapy is appropriate for your situation.
Things You'll Need
- Tennis ball
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