What Is Balance And Coordination?
- Balance
The ability to maintain the body’s center of gravity over its base of support, both during static (still) and dynamic (moving) activities.
Involves the integration of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems for postural control. - Coordination
The ability to execute smooth, accurate, and controlled movements, especially when multiple joints or limbs are involved.
Includes both gross motor coordination (e.g., jumping, running) and fine motor coordination (e.g., catching, kicking).
What Does Difficulty In This Area Look Like?
- Frequent Loss of Balance
Child may trip, fall, or require support when walking, running, or climbing. - Delayed Motor Skills
Difficulty with age-appropriate tasks such as hopping, skipping, or riding a bike. - Clumsiness or Incoordination
Appears uncoordinated or inefficient in movement; may bump into objects or struggle with timing-based tasks. - Poor Static or Dynamic Postural Control
Challenges maintaining upright sitting or standing, especially during play or transitions. - Inefficient Movement Patterns
Uses compensatory strategies (e.g., wide base of support, stiff posture) to complete motor tasks. - Vestibular or Sensory Integration Deficits
May become dizzy, avoid movement-based play, or have difficulty with head/body movement coordination.
How Can PT Help Build These Skills?
- Balance Training
Use of unstable surfaces (e.g., balance discs, BOSU, foam pads) to improve postural control and joint stability. - Coordination Drills
Practice of age-appropriate tasks like ball throwing, kicking, or ladder drills to enhance motor sequencing and timing. - Vestibular and Proprioceptive Input Activities
Controlled movement-based tasks (e.g., swings, spinning, obstacle courses) to stimulate sensory systems involved in balance. - Dynamic Movement Challenges
Encouragement of transitional tasks like sit-to-stand, stepping over obstacles, or walking on uneven surfaces. - Core and Lower Extremity Strengthening
Targeted exercises to improve postural stability and controlled movement. - Motor Planning and Bilateral Integration
Activities that require coordinated use of both sides of the body (e.g., jumping jacks, crawling, crossing midline). - Play-Based Functional Training
Engaging, purposeful tasks that simulate real-world activities to improve automaticity and confidence in movement.