In August we observe National Wellness Month, a time to consider what habits and activities bolster our well-being. Whenever I need to unwind and recenter myself I slip on my hiking boots and hit the trails. That freedom to navigate the solitude of nature always helps me to recenter. I always come back refreshed and refocused for whatever life has for me.
The Roman philosopher Seneca once said, "Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." What if this ancient wisdom holds a deeper truth about our physical movement and cognitive vitality? What if movement is more than just physical? What if self-initiated mobility is deeply connected to our cognitive development and overall well-being? This post will explore spatial navigation and how mobility influences cognition and overall wellness, including resources for individuals with mobility impairments.
To better understand how movement impacts cognitive development, I sat down with Jay Wheeler, occupational therapist with the Utah Center for Assistive Technology (UCAT). Wheeler explains that from the moment a baby lifts their head, a new world of exploration unfolds. This primary self-initiated movement, followed by crawling, cruising, and eventually walking, is driven by a powerful motivation: the desire to interact with their environment, to achieve, or as Wheeler puts it “get what I want.” The ability to carry an object to "get what I want and move while I hold it," dramatically expands our world. It fosters communication and interaction. When a child lacks independent mobility, they may miss out on crucial cognitive processes like problem-solving and understanding how things work.
As Wheeler explained, self-initiated mobility plays a critical role in brain development from the earliest stages of infancy. These primary movements are not just physical milestones; they’re cognitive ones, too. But what about infants and toddlers who experience mobility impairments during key developmental windows? Does a lack of independent movement inevitably lead to cognitive stagnation? Not necessarily.
Assistive technologies are emerging as powerful tools to bridge this gap. Consider the innovative Go-Baby-Go initiative, born at the University of Delaware and now assisting children nationwide. This program supports young children with customized power mobility devices, often modified ride-on toys, assisting them to explore the world through movement. Wheeler, who has worked on many of these modifications, shared “Go Baby Go enhances interaction and promotes connection with your child. As a parent, you become more than a caretaker, you can now bond and play with your child.” This simple accommodation highlights how movement, even when assisted, can profoundly influence not just cognitive development but also the basic emotional bonds between children and their caregivers.
Understanding that Go-Baby Go started at the University of Delaware, I wanted to learn more. When I visited the Go-Baby-Go website I was surprised to learn that Go-Baby-Go has evolved into the Move 2 Learn Program. Move 2 Learn now includes an ‘Innovation Lab’ and an ‘Autism Lab’. One of the concepts in the Move 2 Learn Innovation Lab is that movement and play is essential for all children's cognitive development. They “aim to evaluate the effectiveness of Sitting Together And Reaching To Play (START-Play), an intervention designed to target sitting, reaching, and motor-based problem solving to improve development and readiness to learn for infants with motor delays,” (Move2Learn)(https://sites.udel.edu/move2learn/current-projects/). Initiatives like Go-Baby-GO and START-Play are just two examples of how accessible movement promotes cognitive health during early stages of development.
As we’ve learned, navigating space fosters learning, problem-solving, and communication. In fact, research has shown that physical activity can also improve cognition and daily functioning in people with Alzheimer’s disease (Zhou et al., 2022). Structured movement interventions enhance executive function in children with autism (Hou et al., 2024). These benefits illustrate the broad impact of mobility across the lifespan.
As we get older, movement and spatial navigation are no less important. Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensure equal access to public spaces, thus expanding an individual's ability to navigate space independently. Such freedom, whether for exploring national parks, grocery shopping, or accessing urban sidewalks, significantly contributes to our well-being. As a result, open independent spatial navigation can reduce stress and improve cognitive function. The ability to navigate space freely is a basic human right which includes but is not limited to obtaining a driver's license or having access to public transportation. Accessible environments, transportation options, mobility devices, and assistive technology collectively support cognitive vitality and overall well-being. Fortunately, most regions in the United States offer crucial resources and support through Centers for Assistive Technology and Independent Living services. These resources, coupled with accessible environments, empower individuals, including those with disabilities, with freedom of movement and opportunities for spatial exploration, ensuring full participation in life.
This deeper understanding of mobility invites us to rethink how we define wellness. It’s not just about fitness goals or mindfulness apps. It’s about ensuring that every individual can access their environment, move through it freely, and engage with their world. Movement is a universal catalyst for growth. When we remove barriers, we invite connection, curiosity, and lifelong learning.
Ben Baldonado is a Business Relations Supervisor for the Utah Office of Rehabilitation, where he champions workforce accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Ben holds a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Amridge University, is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and is a recent addition to the RMADAC Advisory Committee.
References
Direct Energy (2024, July 26) Go Baby Go! Empowering Kids with Limited Mobility [Video] YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q70IGiJCjMA
Move 2 Learn. (n.d.). Current projects. University of Delaware. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://sites.udel.edu/move2learn/current-projects/
Hou Y, Wang Y, Deng J and Song X (2024) Effects of different exercise interventions on executive function in children with autism spectrum disorder: a network meta-analysis. Front. Psychiatry 15:1440123. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1440123
Wheeler J., Interview, June 4, 2024, Salt Lake City, Utah
Zhou S, Chen S, Liu X, Zhang Y, Zhao M, Li W. Physical Activity Improves Cognition and Activities of Daily Living in Adults with Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 22;19(3):1216. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031216. PMID: 35162238; PMCID: PMC8834999