
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