Gross motor skill delays can occur in children without an identified disability. As development occurs from proximal (middle of the body) to distal (extremities) it is imperative for children to develop adequate core strength and stability. Without adequate core strength and stability it is likely that children will have difficulty maintaining postures, performing age-appropriate gross motor and fine motor skills, and have difficulty with general balance and coordination. Gross motor skill delays can occur because of the following:
- Core weakness
- Joint hyper-mobility
- Tone differences (low tone, high tone, and fluctuating tone)
- Imbalance in extensor (muscles that straighten) and flexor (muscles that bend) strength
- Muscle rigidity
Go to treament ideas for children with gross motor skill delays