Platform Swing

Platform Swing Description
The Platform Swing is a specialized piece of equipment predominantly used in Occupational Therapy (OT) for Sensory Integration (SI).
It is characterized by its large, flat, and sturdy surface, typically made of wood or a durable padded material, suspended from a single or double point on a ceiling mount. This design allows the user to adopt various therapeutic positions—sitting, kneeling, lying prone (on the stomach), or standing—unlike a traditional swing.
Therapeutic Function
The swing is highly valued for its versatility in providing targeted sensory input:
Vestibular System: The multi-directional movement (linear, rotational, and tilting) provides rich input to the inner ear, which is vital for developing balance, spatial awareness, and postural control.
Proprioceptive System: Activities on the unstable surface require active muscle engagement, delivering deep pressure and feedback to the joints, which helps in core strengthening and body awareness.
Occupational therapists manipulate the swing’s movement (slow and rhythmic for calming; fast and unpredictable for alerting) to help individuals, particularly those with Sensory Processing Disorder or Autism, achieve a regulated state for improved focus, coordination, and emotional control.