Gross motor & Fine motor

In Bangalore, a diagnosis of autism, PDD-NOS, or ADHD translates into occupational therapy (OT) services for sensory integration (SI). There is no denying that sensory integration is mostly practiced by occupational therapists throughout the world. However, many physiotherapists (PT) like myself also choose to train in SI.

In most Western countries, there is a distinct  division of services between  OT and PT. The PT provides services that focus on gross motor activities, address the larger muscles of the body, and mostly the trunk and legs. The OT works on fine motor, smaller muscles of the body, and mostly the trunk and arms. Inevitably, there is an overlap between both services; it is not unusual to see an OT and PT working together to treat a patient and address different goals during the same session.

The concrete reason for my preceding explanation is that fine motor progress cannot be achieved without first addressing the larger muscles of the body that include the trunk. Our trunk forms the foundation for working of the arms and the legs. Weakness of abdominals and/or the back extensors results into an array of problems in posture, postural control, balance, coordination, and fine motor tasks such as writing/cutting/coloring.

We need a good core strength of the trunk  to stay upright, alert, and ready for movement skills such as throwing/catching/kicking a ball. Core strength also plays an important role in climbing playground equipment and keeping balance on uneven terrain. Good postural control is required for all activities ranging from reaching for an object on a shelf to writing efficiently on paper.

Without adequate abdominal muscle strength, speech and respiration are compromised. In my clinical practice, I have observed improved speech, relief of constipation if any, and increase in stamina due to emphasis on improving abdominal  tone and strength.  Activities designed to improve upper body strength result into better writing skills and coordinated use of both arms and hands.

In summary, gross motor precedes fine motor.

#grossmotor #finemotor #physicaltherapy #occupationaltherapy