Occupational Therapy -> Bilateral Coordination

Bilateral Coordination

Bilateral coordination is described as using both sides of the body (arms and/or legs) to complete an activity or task. Occupational therapists address bilateral coordination as it relates to an individual's daily activities. Some examples of tasks requiring bilateral coordination include: holding food while cutting with a knife, crawling on the floor while playing with toys, holding a backpack while pulling the zipper, stabilizing a cup while pouring a beverage.

Minor focus areas

Skilled interventions

  • Bilateral Coordination Activities

    Bilateral Coordination Activities involve exercises and tasks that require simultaneous or alternating use of both limbs, promoting the integration of motor skills necessary for symmetrical body movements and coordination. These activities may include ball games that involve throwing and catching with both hands, drumming exercises where each hand operates independently, or tasks that require the individual to coordinate leg and arm movements simultaneously.

    The therapeutic approach typically starts with simple, guided movements and progresses to more complex tasks as the patient's coordination improves. Activities are selected based on the individual's age, interests, and specific needs to ensure engagement and maximize benefits. For children, activities may be embedded in play to enhance motivation and enjoyment.

    Occupational therapists closely monitor the individual’s progress, adjusting the difficulty and complexity of the activities to continuously challenge the patient while ensuring safety and effectiveness. This targeted approach helps improve not only physical coordination but also cognitive functions related to planning and executing coordinated movements.

  • Scooter Board

    Scooter Board activities involve the use of a small, wheeled platform on which the individual sits or lies prone, using their arms and legs to propel themselves. These activities help develop upper and lower body strength, improve coordination between limbs, and enhance proprioceptive input. Common exercises include pushing off with alternate feet, pulling with alternate arms, and navigating obstacle courses.

    Therapeutic sessions are tailored to the individual's developmental level and physical abilities, gradually increasing in complexity and intensity. For younger children, activities might be integrated into play scenarios, such as racing or collecting objects, to maintain engagement and motivation. For older individuals, more structured tasks like relay races or timed challenges might be employed.

    Safety is a priority during Scooter Board activities, with therapists ensuring that the environment is secure and that all movements are within the individual’s capability. Adjustments are made based on progress and feedback, focusing on enhancing functional movements that can translate to improvements in daily activities.

Reference links

  • Bilateral Coordination Activities 1
    www.theottoolbox.com     Author: The OT Toolbox - These bilateral coordination activities are bilateral movement strategies to help kids demonstrate bimanual coordination skills.
  • PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THROUGH SCHOOLS: POLICY BRIEF 1
    www.who.int     Author: World Health Organization - Physical activity is good for hearts, bodies and minds. Regular physical activity can improve physical fitness; improve heart, vascular and metabolic health, and bone health; and reduce adiposity in children and adolescents (1). Being active can also improve cognitive function, including academic performance and mental health, and can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety (1). In contrast, too much sedentary behavior can be unhealthy; it increases the risk of obesity and poorer fitness and cardiometabolic health and can affect sleep duration

Activity List(s)

Visual Schedule Cards

Assessments

Goal Bank

  • To demonstrate improved gross motor movements, Peter will catch a ball during play 90% of the time by May 1, 2023 . 0

Therapists

Therapists who selected this major focus area as their top area of expertise.

  • Kacey Millican

    Kacey Millican

    Full-time Therapist STUDENT

    I am a senior OTA student who is looking forward to her career as a COTA. I am currently finishin...