OT Based Explanation Of Gross Motor Skills & Postural Control

OT based explanation of Gross Motor Skills & Postural Control, with signs, goals, activities, and practical exercises for autistic children.

What are Gross Motor Skills & Postural Control?

Gross Motor Skills

These involve the large muscles of the body used for:

• sitting

• standing

• walking

• running

• jumping

• climbing

Postural Control

This is the ability to maintain an upright, stable posture during activities such as:

• sitting at a table

• standing in a line

• walking without falling

Good posture is the foundation for attention, writing, and learning.

Signs of Difficulty

A child may:

• slouch or lean on furniture

• tire quickly while sitting

• fall often or appear clumsy

• avoid playground activities

• sit in “W” position

• have poor balance

These issues are related to core weakness and motor control, not laziness.

OT Goals

OT works to improve:

• core strength (trunk muscles)

• balance and coordination

• endurance

• body awareness

• stable sitting and standing

OT Activities & Exercises (Practical)

1. Core Strengthening (Very Important)

• Sitting on therapy ball

• Wheelbarrow walking

• Plank holds (5–10 seconds)

• Superman pose (lying on tummy, lift arms/legs)

Why: strong core = better posture.

2. Balance Activities

• Standing on one foot

• Walking on a line or balance beam

• Stepping stones (pillows on floor)

• Catching ball while standing

3. Crawling & Climbing

• Crawling through tunnels

• Climbing stairs or soft obstacles

• Monkey bars (with support)

Why: builds strength and coordination.

4. Jumping & Hopping

• Jumping on spot

• Jumping over small objects

• Hopscotch

• Trampoline (short, supervised)

5. Postural Control for Sitting

• Sitting on stool (no back support)

• Reaching for objects while seated

• Table work with feet flat on floor

6. Outdoor Play (Highly Recommended)

• Running games

• Cycling

• Swimming

• Playground activities

Real movement improves therapy outcomes.

How OT Teaches These Skills

• Uses play-based activities

• Starts with short durations

• Gradually increases difficulty

• Ensures success before challenge

Sample 10-Minute OT Routine

1. Crawling or climbing (3 min)

2. Balance walking (3 min)

3. Jumping activity (2 min)

4. Calm sitting or breathing (2 min)

Safety & OT Tips

⚠️ Always supervise
⚠️ Avoid forcing activities
⚠️ Stop if child is dizzy or tired
⚠️ Avoid W-sitting—gently correct

Signs of Progress

✔ improved sitting tolerance
✔ fewer falls
✔ better posture
✔ increased confidence in movement

Key OT Principle

A stable body creates a focused mind.