Core Strength: Understanding Its Importance And Ways To Enhance It

What is Core Strength?

• To understand the core strength we need to know what is core. The core includes the group of muscles around our pelvis, spine, and abdomen which stabilizes and controls our upper body and lower body for smooth functioning.

• Core strength implies more on stabilizing the body in an ideal posture than the power of the muscle group.

• It is the foundation skill for the children which helps them to assume and maintain an upright posture like sitting and standing erect without support.

How to recognise a lack of core strength?

• A child who has poor core strength will exhibit difficulties in performing and controlling gross motor skills like jumping, balancing on a beam, standing on one leg, and fine motor skills like holding a writing equipment and writing.

• A child with poor core strength usually exhibits the following:

  1. Holds on or leans on walls or the individual beside them.

  2. Slouches when sitting on the chair or uses the chair to get support for the whole body.

  3. Leans on the table in front of them to gain support.

  4. Supports their head with non writing hand while writing.

  5. Shows poor posture while sitting and standing.

  6. Easily becomes tired and needs breaks between tasks such as writing and physical activities.

  7. Refuses or needs help to try physical activities in outdoor play equipment like the monkey bars, slide, swing, and ladder.

  8. Struggles to participate in rough activities.

How to Improve Core Strength? Simple postures and fun activities can be used to improve core strength. The following are the activities that can be done at home,

• Superman pose

• Cobra pose

• Cat pose

• Dead bug pose

• Tree pose

• Bird dog pose

• Downward dog pose\

• Upside-down pose on therapy ball

• Wheelbarrow walk

• Frog jump

• Bear walk

• Crab walk

• Kangaroo jump

• Riding the scooter board upside down

• Ladder climbing

Conclusion

Like a building relies on a strong foundation to support its structure, children also need good core strength for their everyday activities. Consider these playful activities recommended to boost your child's core strength. Remember: It's essential to seek advice from your child’s occupational therapist before starting this home program.

By,

Ms. Sinduja Saravanan,

Centre Head and Occupational Therapist

Dimensions Centre for Child Development

Kothanur branch, Bangalore.