Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills involve the use of these large muscles to perform physical activities, such as crawling, walking, running, throwing, and kicking. Gross motor development refers to the development of large muscle groups and their movements, such as those in the arms, legs, and torso.
With infants and young children, gross motor development typically follows a predictable pattern. For example, infants will typically learn to lift their heads and roll over before they learn to crawl or walk. As children get older, they will continue to develop and refine their gross motor skills through activities such as sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, and throwing.
How to Tell if a Child Has a Gross Motor Delay?
There are a number of signs that a child may be experiencing delays in their gross motor development such as:
Difficulty lifting their head while lying on their stomach
Difficulty rolling over or sitting up without support
Difficulty crawling or getting into a crawling position
Difficulty standing up or walking without support
Clumsiness or difficulty with activities that require balance and coordination, such as throwing or catching a ball
Some other signs that a child may be experiencing delays in gross motor development include:
Lack of interest in physical activity or play
Difficulty following simple directions that involve physical movement
Limited range of motion in the arms or legs
Poor muscle tone or difficulty maintaining an upright position
It is important to note that all children develop at their own pace, and there is a wide range of what is considered normal for gross motor development. However, if you are concerned about your child's gross motor development, it is important to speak with a qualified Physiotherapist that can assess your child's skills and provide guidance on how to support their development.
What are Signs an Adult has Gross Motor Problems?
There are a number of signs that an adult may have difficulty with gross motor skills such as:
Difficulty with activities that require balance and coordination, such as walking on uneven surfaces or playing sports
Clumsiness or difficulty with activities that require fine motor skills, such as writing or using utensils
Difficulty with activities that require strength and endurance, such as lifting objects or completing tasks that require sustained physical effort
Difficulty with activities that require flexibility and mobility, such as bending down to tie shoelaces or reaching overhead
Difficulty with activities that require coordination and coordination, such as dancing or playing musical instruments