What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills are large movement skills that involve the use of major muscle groups (arms, legs, trunk). The use of these major muscle groups are essential for everyday mobility, physical play, and participation in age-appropriate activities. Common gross motor skills include walking, running, jumping, climbing, throwing, kicking and catching.
What Does Difficulty In This Area Look Like?
- Delayed Milestone Achievement
A child may walk, run, or jump significantly later than peers. - Poor Balance or Coordination
A child may appear to be clumsy, frequently trips or falls, avoids uneven surfaces or stairs. - Weak Muscles or Limited Flexibility
A child may have difficulty standing on one foot, getting up from the floor, maintain posture during activity, or demonstrate a preference to lead with on foot over another. - Limited Endurance
A child may tire easily during play or physical activities compared to peers. - Avoidance of Physical Play
A child may resist or withdraw from playground activities or sports due to lack of confidence or skill. - Asymmetrical Movement Patterns
Asymmetry may present with overuse of one side of the body, awkward running or walking patterns and uneven jumping.
How Can PT Help Build These Skills?
- Targeted Strengthening Exercises
Improve muscle strength and stability in the trunk, legs, and arms for better control. - Balance and Coordination Training
Activities designed to enhance body awareness, timing, and symmetrical movement and single leg balance stability. - Skill-Based Practice
Step-by-step practice of tasks like jumping, throwing, or climbing to improve technique with optimal body mechanics and efficient muscle activation. - Play-Based Interventions
Engaging, age-appropriate games that make movement fun while building skills. - Motor Planning Support
Therapy is designed to helps children learn how to sequence movements effectively for tasks like running and kicking. - Parent/Caregiver Education
Guidance on how to support physical development at home and during everyday routines.