The History of Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training (BRMT)

Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training (BRMT) is a groundbreaking motor training method developed by Dr. Harald Blomberg, a Swedish psychiatrist, who discovered the profound impact of rhythmic movements on brain development, motor coordination, and emotional regulation. Rooted in both ancient traditions and modern neuroscience, BRMT has evolved into a powerful tool for improving focus, learning, and overall neurological function.


Origins: The Influence of Natural Infant Movements

The foundation of BRMT lies in spontaneous rhythmic movements that infants naturally make in their first year of life. These movements, such as rocking, crawling, and reaching, are essential for:

  • Strengthening neural connections in the brain
  • Developing postural control and balance
  • Stimulating the vestibular system, which affects coordination and focus
  • Enhancing emotional regulation by integrating primitive reflexes

Dr. Blomberg recognized that many children and adults with learning challenges, ADHD, dyslexia, and autism exhibited incomplete reflex integration. He hypothesized that by reintroducing rhythmic movements in a structured way, the brain could be stimulated to complete its natural development.


The 1980s: The Work of Kerstin Linde

In 1985, Dr. Blomberg was introduced to Kerstin Linde, a Swedish body therapist who had been using rhythmic movements to help children with neurological disorders. Linde had developed a unique approach based on observing the natural reflex movements of infants and replicating them through simple exercises.

Dr. Blomberg, who had his own motor difficulties due to childhood polio, became both a patient and a student of Linde’s work. He witnessed remarkable improvements in children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, and attention disorders—improvements that challenged traditional medical beliefs.

Seeing these results firsthand, Dr. Blomberg integrated rhythmic movement therapy into his psychiatric practice, helping patients with a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and motor challenges.


The 1990s: Scientific Validation & Early Research

During the 1990s, Dr. Blomberg began systematically applying rhythmic movement therapy in both clinical psychiatry and educational settings. He observed that children with ADHD, dyslexia, and emotional regulation challenges showed significant improvements in:

✔️ Focus & Attention – Reduced hyperactivity and increased ability to concentrate
✔️ Reading & Writing Skills – Improved dyslexia symptoms through better eye-tracking and coordination
✔️ Emotional Stability – Reduced anxiety, mood swings, and stress responses
✔️ Motor Skills & Posture – Strengthened muscle tone and balance

Dr. Blomberg also found that many children with learning disabilities had retained primitive reflexes, such as the Moro Reflex and Fear Paralysis Reflex, which affected their ability to learn and regulate emotions. He refined BRMT to specifically target reflex integration, making it a unique and highly effective approach.


2000s-Present: BRMT Goes Global

With growing interest in BRMT, Dr. Blomberg began training therapists, educators, and healthcare professionals worldwide. He published several books, including ”Movements That Heal,” which expanded awareness of rhythmic movement therapy beyond Sweden.

Today, BRMT is used internationally in:

🌍 Schools & Special Education Programs to support children with learning differences
🌍 Therapy & Rehabilitation Centers for neurological and motor skill development
🌍 Mental Health & Emotional Well-being Programs for stress reduction and trauma recovery

Dr. Blomberg’s work has influenced countless practitioners, researchers, and parents who seek natural, drug-free solutions to support brain and body development.


The Legacy of BRMT

Dr. Harald Blomberg’s pioneering research has transformed the way we understand movement, reflex integration, and brain development. His legacy continues through the growing global network of BRMT instructors and consultants, helping people of all ages unlock their full neurological potential through the power of rhythmic movement.

“The spontaneous rhythmic movements of infants are of fundamental importance for motor abilities, speech, emotions, and vision—and are necessary for the maturation of the brain.”

— Dr. Harald Blomberg