26/09/2025
Climbing up wall bars can support:
✅ 1. Upper Body and Core Strength
- Pulling and supporting body weight builds muscles in: Shoulders, Arms (biceps/triceps), Hands and wrists (grip strength), and Core (abs and back)
Why it's important for OT: Helps kids who have low muscle tone or difficulty with postural control.
✅ 2. Bilateral Coordination
- Requires using both sides of the body together (arms and legs).
- Encourages coordination between limbs, especially when alternating hands and feet.
Why it's important for OT: Supports skills needed for dressing, writing, and other daily tasks.
✅ 3. Motor Planning
- Children must think through how to move from one bar to the next.
- Enhances sequencing, problem-solving, and body awareness.
Why it's important for OT: Helps children who struggle with praxis (planning and executing movements).
✅ 4. Sensory Integration
- Climbing provides vestibular input (movement/balance) and proprioceptive input (joint/muscle feedback).
- These help regulate arousal levels and improve spatial orientation.
Why it's important for OT: Supports children with sensory processing challenges.
✅ 5. Grip Strength and Fine Motor Precursor
- Holding onto bars and supporting body weight builds grip.
- Essential precursor for handwriting, scissors, and other fine motor tasks.
✅ 6. Confidence and Risk Assessment
- Climbing helps children assess height, distance, and their own abilities.
- Builds confidence and appropriate risk-taking behavior.
