Adequate strength and body control are two of the most important building blocks that a child can have in order to facilitate gross motor skill development. Children who do not have adequate strength in their core muscles (abdominals and back extensors) lack the stability through their hips and trunk that would allow them to perform precise, controlled movements with their limbs (ex. throwing a ball, skipping, jumping jacks). In addition, children who do not have adequate strength in their legs may have difficulty jumping keeping both feet together, balancing on one foot, hopping, etc. Diminished trunk strength in children often manifests itself in the school setting in an inability to sit upright in a chair or on the floor while participating in classroom activities. These children will often lean on their elbows, slouch forward, curl their legs up underneath them in a chair, or shift their position frequently in an attempt to gain stability through their trunk. This inability to maintain upright posture may then lead to difficulty with important fine motor tasks, such as writing. If a child is relying on support from her hands to hold herself upright, she is unable to free her hand up in order to efficiently write, cut paper or manipulate materials such as turning the pages of a textbook.
Among other things, Physical Therapy in the schools often focuses on the development of gross motor skills in children. These skills include, but are not limited to:
Active play is one of the best ways parents can help to develop gross motor skills in young children. Encourage your child to get up and move, whether they go ride a bike, run around the yard, or go play on a playground. Every little bit of movement-based play is important! Here are a few ideas for incorporating more movement into your child's day:
These are just a few suggestions to help your child develop a strong core and build their gross motor skill repertoire. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be a replacement for a professional diagnosis or therapy. You should always seek the advice of a professional before deciding the right treatment options for your child. Starpoint's Physical Therapy department does not necessarily endorse the use of products or services listed on outside links and resources.