Barboleta: Bridging Movement, Learning, and Digital Health for Children and Beyond

Barboleta is a Latvian social enterprise transforming the way children learn, develop, and engage through movement. Combining physical activity with cognitive stimulation, their Smart Balance Board and digital app create a science-driven, playful approach to education, rehabilitation, and well-being. Ahead of Medical Japan 2025, Mugen Links had the opportunity to explore Barboleta’s innovative methodology, commitment to sustainability, and vision for expanding their impact in Japan’s dynamic healthcare and wellness sector.

Digital health is transforming education, rehabilitation, and well-being. How is Barboleta preparing for this shift?

Baiba: Digital health is already reshaping how we approach learning and therapy. At Barboleta, we combine real physical activities with cognitive stimulation through our Smart Balance Board and mobile app. This integration reflects the future of digital health: accessible, engaging, and science-driven solutions that enhance concentration, memory, and emotional involvement. Our product is already aligned with these trends, and we continue developing new ways to support learning and therapy with digital tools and movement.

If you could highlight one product as Barboleta’s signature story, which would it be and why?

Baiba: Our signature innovation is the Smart Balance Board with its digital app. It unites

movement, balance, and sensory stimulation with cognitive development. This is our story because it bridges natural physical activity with neuroscience and educational psychology, helping children improve focus and learning while staying engaged and active.

Barboleta blends natural movement with advanced science. How do you maintain this balance in your product development?

Baiba: Our balance lies in combining physical movement, balance, and sensory play with neuroscience, psychology, and pedagogy. The method activates both hemispheres of the brain and strengthens neural pathways, while remaining playful, safe, and intuitive for children. This is how we merge evidence-based science with an organic, body-driven approach.

There’s a misconception that Barboleta is “just a toy.” What would you like people to know about your brand?

Baiba: Barboleta is far more than play. Our method is rooted in clinical psychology, special pedagogy, and educational science. Over 3,000 children have already benefited from Barboleta activities, and more than 600 educators are applying it in classrooms. It’s a validated approach to improving learning, concentration, and overall engagement.

Medical Japan 2025 is a major milestone. What motivated Barboleta to participate, and what are your objectives for this event?

Baiba: Medical Japan 2025 gives us the opportunity to present Barboleta to a global audience and explore collaboration with Japanese institutions. We aim to introduce the Smart Balance Board as a tool for education, rehabilitation, and well-being, while learning from Japan’s innovative healthcare and wellness culture.

How do you envision partnerships evolving with Japanese medical or educational institutions?

Baiba: We see strong potential in early childhood education, special needs support, rehabilitation programs, and even senior care. Joint research with Japanese universities and clinics could validate and expand our method, while partnerships could bring Barboleta into classrooms, therapy centers, and rehabilitation programs across Japan.

Have previous interactions or experiences in Japan shaped your approach to this market?

Baiba: While we have not yet exported to Japan, our work in Latvia has shown that Barboleta works across diverse contexts, from preschools to therapy centers. During a trade mission in Kobe last year, we received feedback confirming that our product could be especially meaningful in Japan’s rehabilitation field. This gives us confidence that we can successfully adapt to Japanese needs.

Are there Japanese medical or wellness trends influencing Barboleta’s future direction?

Baiba: We are inspired by Japan’s holistic approach to health — blending prevention, balance, and well-being. The focus on lifelong learning, cognitive training, and sensorimotor stimulation resonates with our mission, encouraging us to further develop Barboleta as a versatile tool not only for children but also for adults and seniors.

Sustainability seems central to your philosophy. How does it influence production and sourcing strategies?

Baiba: As a social enterprise, sustainability is at our core. From designing digital tasks that reduce paper use to choosing eco-friendly materials for our balance platform, we aim to protect the environment while promoting human health and movement. This commitment ensures our products create long-term positive impact for people and the planet.

How did the post-pandemic environment affect your product development or client engagement strategies?

Baiba: The pandemic accelerated digital adoption. We expanded online training and ensured the app supports remote engagement, allowing families and educators to continue using Barboleta at home. This turned a global challenge into an opportunity to reach more children and broaden access.

How do you navigate a competitive landscape dominated by large multinationals?

Baiba: We compete by being agile, authentic, and mission-driven. Unlike multinationals, we reinvest in children’s development. Our innovation lies in combining balance, movement, and cognitive science into a simple yet powerful tool. This clear focus and social mission help Barboleta stand out in a crowded market.