07/08/2025
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Gross Motor Coordination
Involves large muscle groups (arms, legs, torso) used in activities like walking, climbing stairs, or throwing a ball.
Fine Motor Coordination
Involves small muscle movements (hands and fingers) for tasks like writing, buttoning a shirt, or using utensils.
Bilateral Coordination
Using both sides of the body together in a controlled way (e.g., holding paper with one hand while cutting with the other).
Hand-Eye Coordination
Synchronizing visual input with hand movements (e.g., catching a ball, threading a needle).
Intervention Techniques
Occupational therapists use a variety of strategies to improve coordination, depending on age, diagnosis, and functional goals:
Therapeutic Exercises
Activities like obstacle courses, yoga, or games that promote controlled movements.
Fine Motor Skill Development
Tasks such as bead stringing, pegboards, puzzles, or tweezers for precise hand control.
Task-Oriented Training
Practicing real-life tasks that require coordination (e.g., dressing, cooking, tool use).
Sensory Integration Therapy
For clients with sensory processing challenges, this helps the brain better coordinate sensory input with motor output.
Use of Adaptive Equipment
Tools that compensate for coordination challenges (e.g., weighted utensils, grips, or button hooks).
Neurodevelopmental Techniques (NDT)
Used often with neurological impairments to facilitate normal movement patterns.
Goals Example
Here are a few sample OT goals related to coordination:
βClient will improve fine motor coordination to independently button a shirt within 2 minutes.β
βClient will demonstrate improved bilateral coordination by tying shoes with minimal assistance.β
βClient will complete a 3-step obstacle course using gross motor coordination without loss of balance.β
Who Benefits from Coordination Training in OT?
Children with developmental delays (e.g., dyspraxia, autism)
Stroke or TBI survivors
People with Parkinsonβs, MS, or cerebral palsy
Individuals recovering from orthopedic injuries
