In the dynamic world of speech therapy, movement breaks are increasingly recognized for their benefits in boosting engagement, attention, and learning outcomes, especially for children. Multiple scientific studies now support integrating physical activity into therapy sessions for more effective language development and overall cognitive gains.
What Are Movement Breaks?
Movement breaks are short, planned periods of physical activity—such as stretches, jumping, animal walks, or dance. These activities help children release energy, refocus, and prepare to participate actively in their sessions.[1][2]
Scientific Evidence for Movement Breaks
1. Motor Skills and Language Development
A 2022 study in preschool children found that higher physical activity and better motor skills correlate positively with language development. Specifically, children who scored better on motor tests like “One-leg stand” and “Lateral jumping” also performed better in language tasks assessing phonological memory and morphological rule formation. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle was linked to poorer language scores across all subtests.[3]
Read the study: [Correlation between Language Development and Motor Skills in Preschool Children][3]
2. Movement-Based Speech Therapy Interventions
Research surveying speech-language pathologists shows that incorporating full-body movements—like dance, yoga, and active play—into speech sessions increases student motivation, accelerates learning, and improves social interactions. Experts who included movement with children with autism reported these positive outcomes more consistently than those who stick to traditional static sessions.[4]
Read the research paper: [Full-Body Movements in Speech Treatment Sessions][4]
3. Motor-Based Interventions and Language Skills
Another study (2021) found that motor-based interventions such as aquatic therapy and sensory integration therapy improve language skills in children with neurological conditions or developmental challenges.[5]
Read the article: [Reciprocal Influence of Mobility and Speech-Language][5]
4. General Cognitive Benefits
Recent research confirms that short bursts of physical movement reduce mental fatigue, increase engagement, and improve learning outcomes in children. These findings are echoed in occupational and speech therapy practice recommendations.[6][1]
Read the summaries:
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[Brain Breaks and Movement Breaks Kids Love][6]
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[Brain Breaks: An Evidence-Based Behavior Strategy][1]
5. Movement and Speech in Neurological Conditions
For clinical populations, such as those with Parkinson’s disease, research shows that larger articulatory movements during speech treatment can improve articulation and speech precision, though boundaries must be carefully monitored.[7]
Read the study: [Treating Speech Movement Hypokinesia in Parkinson’s Disease][7]
Research-Driven Benefits Summarized
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Increases attention and engagement in young learners [4][3]
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Supports self-regulation and behavioural control
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Boosts learning outcomes by linking physical and language development [3][5]
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Motivates children with developmental delays and autism [5][4]
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Provides cognitive refreshment, reducing mental fatigue [6][1]
Practical Applications for SLPs
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Use animal walks, yoga, dance, and short games to break up speech tasks.[4][6]
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Integrate movement into language learning activities (e.g., practice following directions while moving).
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Calibrate movement breaks based on a child’s sensory needs and preferences.
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Reinforce important concepts with physical activity-linked repetition.
Conclusion
Scientific research demonstrates that movement breaks in speech therapy are not just a fun interruption—they’re a rigorously supported strategy for boosting engagement, learning, and language development. Integrating periodic, purposeful movement into therapy sessions can help children reach their communication goals more effectively.
For further reading, see the provided journal article links, which are suitable for parents, educators, and clinicians seeking evidence-based practices.