How Does Core Strength Impact Development in Children?
Why is core strength important for children?
How does it impact development?
It is important for children and adults to have a strong core in order to maintain good posture. A strong core enables children to sit at a desk and perform upper extremity activities, such as playing with legos or doing homework. Without core strength, you may see your child rest their head on the table to do homework or complain of their hand being tired from writing. Children with poor core strength might have “tummy issues,” such as constipation.
You may find it challenging to support your child in completing core based movements like sit ups, planks, or push-ups. But if you can involved your child in fun, play-based activities that involve the use of their core, they may be more willing to participate.
Here are a few great ideas for engaging your child in exercise that involves the use of their core!
Playing outside, such as climbing trees, rope ladders, or playground equipment
Twisting activities, such as scooters that require you to move side to side
Wheelbarrow walking or racing
Bouncing as on a trampoline or hippity hop
Crab walks
Swimming
Walking on a line or balance beam. You can increase the difficulty of this activity by having them carry a beanbag on top of their head.
Pumping a swing without help
Fly like Superman (on tummy with arms and legs off the ground)
Make sit ups fun by placing a puzzle piece at their head and the puzzle board at their feet so they have to reach overhead and then sit up to place it in with EVERY piece
Make planks fun by moving bean bags from inside a circle to outside while maintaining plank
Place a playground ball between their feet while they lay on their back and have them drop it in a hoop at the top of their head
Walk out to a plank over a ball of bolster
Play a board game while laying on their tummy
Play tug of war
If you have additional questions regarding core strength and when you should discuss your concerns with your pediatrician, please contact our physical therapist at susan@collaborativecorner.org.
Susan Robins, PT
Pediatric Physical Therapist
susan@collaborativecorner.org