Balance is the ability to maintain a controlled body position during task performance, whether it is sitting at a table, walking the balance beam or stepping up onto a curb. To function effectively across environments and tasks, we need the ability to maintain controlled positions during both static (still) and dynamic (moving) activities.

Static balance is the ability to hold a stationary position with control.

Balance Activities

• Balance beam- stand on it and count to 10.
• Stand on a balance disc for 10-30.
• Stand on BOSU for 10-30 seconds.
• Stand with one foot on the floor and one foot on a step stool. Can pick up an object off the floor or high five different heights.
• Stand on various colored dots and count to 10 or high five.
• Standing with feet together- high five across the body or various heights.
• Stand in a hula hoop with feet together and pick up bean bags off the floor and put them in a bucket.
• Balance with one foot on the step stool and the other foot on the ground.
• Stand on various pillows.
• Stand on a folded towel and balance.

Why are balance and coordination important?

Age appropriate balance and coordination allows the child to be involved in sports participation with a reasonable degree of success as it aids fluid body movement for physical skill performance (e.g. walking a balance beam or playing football). The involvement in sport is helpful in maintaining self regulation for daily tasks as well as developing a social network and achieving a sense of belonging in a community or social setting. It also helps children develop and maintain appropriate controlled body movement during task performance which, when effective, limits the energy required thus minimizing fatigue.

With good balance and coordination there is less likelihood of injury as the child is likely to have appropriate postural responses when needed (e.g. putting hands out to protect themselves when they  fall off their bike). The physical attributes of balance and coordination also allow appropriate posture for table top tasks and subsequent success at fine motor tasks.

Bottom Line: 

If your child has difficulties with balance and coordination, it is recommended they consult a Physical Therapist. To learn more about our program, check out our website: https://ablfitness.org/