Balance and Coordination

While some kids excel naturally at everything, others require a bit more help developing their agility, balance, and coordination. Helping kids to see that exercises to help with this can be fun may be as beneficial as helping them become more graceful and coordinated. Because if they enjoy it, chances are they'll want to do it again.

Our Physical Therapist uses a variety of sensory motor techniques that enhance balance, equilibrium, and coordination to improve functional activities. Balance is the ability to maintain your center of gravity over a base of support. In order to maintain balance you must have adequate control of not only the legs and arms but also the trunk and head. Balance is needed to complete activities that require bending, reaching or lifting one foot. Such activities cause a shift in body weight or center of gravity.

Coordination is the ability to perform smooth, fluid, accurate and controlled movements. Coordinated movements are characterized by appropriate speed, distance, direction, rhythm and muscle tension. Coordinated movements are purposeful movements, not jerky movements, which allow successful transition from one posture or position to another within a reasonable amount of time. Coordination also deals with the ability to visualize an object and react appropriately, such as when attempting to catch a ball or write an assignment (eye-hand coordination).

Locations