BILATERAL CO-ORDINATION & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Before understanding the relationship between bilateral co-ordination and occupational therapy, we need to understand what bi lateral co-ordination is. Bilateral co-ordination (bilateral integration) is the ability to use both sides of the body at the same time. It may be referred to the ability of either sides of the body for doing different tasks such as stabilizing a paper with one hand and writing with the other hand. This allows you to play and work with smooth body movements. It supports a child’s development of fine motor skills, ability to use tools and ability to visually track a moving object. Children learn to use both sides of their body in different stages eventually.

Being able to co-ordinate both sides of the body are an indication that both sides of the brain are communicating and sharing information with each other.  Having good bilateral co-ordination enables the hands and feet to work together well. This helps in many daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, playing, writing etc.

When a child has poor bilateral co-ordination, it is challenging and difficult to achieve their basic daily activities.  Children with poor bilateral co-ordination may struggle with gross motor activities such as jumping, catching a ball etc. They may also struggle with fine gross motor activities such as shoe lace tying, threading beads, drawing a line with a ruler etc.  Bilateral integration skills are essential for many areas of your child’s life.

Bilateral activities may involve Symmetrical movements or Alternative movements. In symmetrical movements an individual uses both sides of the body at the same time, eg: whereas in alternative movements both sides are used alternatively, for eg: rope climbing.

The vestibular system (which is situated in the inner ear helps the brain to process movements, information) plays an important role in a child’s physical movements. Children with poor vestibular processing may well have delayed bilateral integration abilities. For this reason many occupational therapists use movement activities in their therapy sessions to boost bilateral co-ordination skills, for eg: jumping on a trampoline, rolling on the grass, going down a slide and doing somersaulting etc.

One of the goals of the occupation therapy is to help children strengthen their upper body and bilateral co-ordinations through a series of games and exercises. Occupational therapy helps these children to be as independent as they can be. This makes them competent to complete tasks on their own at home and school.  An individualized program is usually created for the children with inputs taken from parents and teachers. Occupational therapist provides Home Programs for practice at home to develop necessary skills.

When your child exhibits problems in activities involving both sides of the body despite repeated attempts or keeps away from play activities, please be alert and do not hesitate to consult an occupational therapist.