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POSTURAL AND SHOULDER MUSCLES

Effective arm movement and control is only possible when core (trunk) strength and stability are present.  A stable core provides a solid base of support from which the arms and legs are free to move with precision and control.  Core muscles are those muscles that stabilize 
the shoulder girdle, spine and pelvis.

 

Postural control refers to the ability to maintain an upright trunk position. Without good postural control, a child may have difficulty maintaining an upright sitting posture and may fatigue easily when sitting at a desk in school. For the child’s hands to work well, strength, stability and mobility are necessary in the shoulders and forearms. In addition to the shoulders being strong, wrist stability is an important component for having precise finger control.

Strengthening Ideas

Animal Walks

Wheelbarrow Walks

Balloon Games – keeping the balloon up in the air

Throwing a Ball - with 2 hands overhead

Draw, Write, Paint - on a vertical surface (easel, white board, paper taped to the wall)

Tummy Time – play a board game, read, or watch TV lying on your tummy propped up on your elbows

Crab Walks/Races or Crab Soccer

Sit-ups

Wall Push-ups

Chair Push-ups

Donkey Kicks – in hands/feet position, kick feet up in the air

Yoga Poses - such as downward dog, snake, tree, and plank

Skipping

Monkey Bars

Kicking a Ball/Soccer

Freeze Dance Game

Scooter Board - laying on the tummy or sitting up

Tug of War

Rock Climbing

Gymnastics

Swimming

Martial Arts

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