Motor Skills

Children will often develop different areas of motor control in spurts. For instance, a toddler who is always “on the go” may suddenly seem to slow down. He may show less interest in running around while he develops more of an interest in practicing speaking. This may last for a few weeks or months. Then the toddler runs around and yells. He has learned both skills and can now put the two together!

As the toddler grows toward a pre-schooler, he learns to refine these skills. Now he controls his speed and direction; his volume, pitch, and tone control can produce a simple song. He may coordinate clapping with singing. Self-care becomes interesting as he discovers how to turn various parts of his body. Shoes, socks, and other clothing must come off many times before he learns to put them on.

The development of motor skills is dependent on many factors.
These include the following:

• Primitive & Postural Reflexes
• Strength and endurance
• Range of motion and flexibility
• Balance and coordination
• Motor planning
• Sensory awareness
• Posture
• Movement patterns

Execution of motor skills, from sitting at a desk to moving through the school environs, from participation in educational programs to playing on the playground, require an interdependence of all of the above. Physical therapy addresses these areas to help a child learn new motor skills and correct poorly learned skills. As these skills emerge, the therapist helps the child practice in ways that will teach him to integrate the skill into his daily activities.