Embedded Files
What is postural control?
What is postural control?
Postural control is the ability to assume and maintain an upright position without support. Strong trunk muscles are key to maintaining our balance, stability and mobility and provides a stable base from which our arms, legs and hands can move smoothly and accurately to work on fine and gross motor activities. Kids need good postural control to be able to sit in their seats to complete table top activities such cutting, coloring and writing. Below are different areas we work on to improve postural control.
Core muscle strength: Refers to the muscles in the torso that stabilize our spine, pelvis and shoulders
Upper body strength and stability: Refers to the muscles in the shoulders and forearms that stabilize the wrist and hand
Wrist strength and stability: Refers to the muscles in the wrist that when held in the proper position stabilize the hand, allowing for precise finger movements
Following are some activities to help improve postural control:
Following are some activities to help improve postural control:
Click the link to our PT Page for a variety of strengthening activities and videos!
Click on the link to see some Postural Positions to use when completing fine motor activities that help improve strength!
For a challenge click on the link for a variety of simple 5-8 mins Whole Body Exercise Videos for kids!
Proper-Posture-for-PDF.pdfCore muscle strength and stability:
Click on the link for a Core Strengthening Workout Video for kids!
Click on the links to see demonstrations of Core Strengthening Positions!
Play toss and catch games or playing with toys while kneeling on a pillow or sitting on a yoga ball
Watch tv or play video games while kneeling on a pillow or sitting on a yoga ball
Ride a bike
Swim
Play Twister
Jump on a trampoline
Climb on playground equipment
Walk like a bear or crab, place a beanbag on your stomach or back and try not to drop it
Do sit-ups, superman poses, leg lifts or wall squats
Do plank or bridge exercises, slide items under with one hand for an extra challenge
Roll from back to belly (in both directions) to reach for and transfer an object to the opposite side
Walk a straight line or along a rope while balancing a beanbag on your head
Upper body strength and stability:
Click on the link for an Upper Body Workout Video for kids!
Do wheelbarrow walks or chair/wall push ups!
Read, write, color, work on puzzles or play with toys while lying on your stomach
Use a scooter board while on your stomach to roll down slopes, transfer items from one spot to another or someone pull your using a rope
Crawl on all fours for Simon Says
Pull apart crinkle tubes
Crawl through an obstacle course
While crab walking kick a balloon and keep it up in the air or do donkey kicks to kick a ball
Snake or leopard crawl (low crawl with body flat on the floor up on elbows to propel forward) to squeeze under a low stick or furniture
Swing on monkey bars, gym rings or overhead ladders
Play basketball or baseball
Play Zoom Ball
Pour water from a pitcher or sand from buckets
Draw large shapes and pictures on chalk boards or white boards with both hands simultaneously
Play catch with a heavy ball
Pull a wagon filled with toys or other items
Do chores: sweep the floor, vacuum, carry out the trash or carry a laundry basket
Push a shopping cart
Rake and pick up leaves or shovel snow
Kneading dough or mixing batter with a spoon
Play tug of war
Wrist strength and stability:
Walk or race while balancing a small ball or balloon on a large spoon without letting it fall
Play with a Yo-Yo
Use wrist weights when doing Animal and Bug Walks (*see above)
Sit crisscrossed on the floor, with one hand palm open on the floor to stabilize, reach with the other hand across your body for an object to transfer it to the other side
Push together crinkle tubes
Play Lite Brite
Practice opening jars of all sizes
Pour water from a pitcher into several cups
Use a slant board (3-ring binder), easel or vertical surface when writing, drawing or coloring
Water plants with a small watering can
Page updated
Report abuse