What has seated posture got to do with motor skills and coordination?

Does your child struggle to throw and catch a ball? Are they always the last to finish their running race? Delayed motor skills can impact your child’s confidence and ability to keep up with their peers on the playground and in other areas of life. If you are concerned about your child’s motor skills or coordination, you might be surprised to hear that checking on their seated posture is a good place to start.

In this article, we will explore how seated posture, motor skills and coordination are linked and what you can do to help your child develop these all-important skills.

Seated posture plays a significant role in motor skills and coordination for several reasons:

Core Stability: A good seated posture ensures proper alignment and stability of the core muscles, which are crucial for maintaining balance and performing precise movements.

Muscle Activation: Proper posture ensures the use of the correct muscle groups. Using the right muscles is necessary to prevent pain and fatigue.

Neural Pathways: Sitting with a good posture ensures that your child’s nervous system can effectively ‘talk to’ their muscles. Poor posture can compress nerves and restrict blood flow, which can impair motor function and coordination.

Proprioception (one of the secret senses!): Good posture enhances proprioception, the body’s ability to sense its position in space. Enhanced proprioception improves spatial awareness and coordination, allowing for better control of movements.

Breathing and Oxygenation: Proper posture helps to optimise breathing, which ensures that muscles receive adequate oxygen. Good oxygenation supports muscle performance and endurance, leading to better motor skills and coordination.

Spinal Alignment: Proper seated posture maintains the natural curvature of the spine, preventing back pain and discomfort. A well-aligned spine means better movement and coordination, whereas misalignments can lead to compensatory movements that compromise motor skills.

Visual and Vestibular Systems (another secret sense!): Posture influences head and eye positioning, which are both vital for the functioning of the visual and vestibular systems. These systems are integral to maintaining balance and coordination.

Fatigue Management: Good posture reduces physical strain and fatigue, which means your child can remain engaged in activities for longer.

There’s quite a few things that you can do at home to help improve your child’s posture, and give them the best chance at developing age appropriate motor skills and coordination.

Set up the Environment:

Use ergonomic chairs that support your child’s back, with the seat height allowing their feet to rest flat on the floor or on a footrest. Don’t want to buy new furniture? You can use other things lying around the house, like a cardboard box, to support their feet instead.
Ensure that desks or tables are at the correct height so the child’s arms can rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle when using it.
Ensure there is good lighting to prevent leaning forward or slouching to see better.

Encourage Regular Posture Breaks:

Schedule short breaks to stand, stretch, and move around to prevent prolonged periods of sitting. You can set a timer as a reminder to move.
Encourage activities that involve physical movement to strengthen core muscles. Riding a bike is a great activity. Climbing on play equipment will also help.

Schedule Regular Strengthening Exercises:

Include core exercises like planks, sit-ups, or yoga in your child’s routine to strengthen their core muscles.
Activities such as balancing on one leg, using a balance board, or playing games that require coordination can improve postural stability.

Use Visual Aids:

Place visual reminders, such as posture charts, in areas where your child frequently sits to reinforce the importance of good posture.
Strategically placed mirrors can allow your child to see their posture so they can self-correct and become more aware of their alignment.

Model Good Posture:

Demonstrate good posture yourself. Children often imitate the habits of their parents, so maintaining your own posture can encourage them to take your lead.
Schedule family activities that improve posture, such as family yoga sessions or walks.

Monitor Screen Time:

Ensure that screens (computers, tablets, TVs) are positioned at eye level to prevent your child from hunching over.
Set limits on screen time and encourage breaks to prevent prolonged periods of poor posture.

Seek Professional Advice:

If you have any concerns about your child’s posture, consider consulting a pediatrician, occupational therapist, or physical therapist for tailored advice and interventions.

If you take your child to see an Occupational Therapist for help with motor skills and coordination, they will assess your child’s posture and seek to identify underlying issues. Poor posture can be a symptom of underlying issues such as muscle weakness, joint problems, or neurological conditions. By assessing posture, OTs can identify these issues early and address them directly. If you are ever concerned about any aspect of your child’s development, it’s important to see a qualified health professional.