Gross Motor Coordination Development in Children
Strengthening Core Muscles and Balance for Confident Movement
Running, jumping, climbing, or even sitting upright — all rely on strong core muscles and coordinated movement.
At KidsHeart Medical Center, our pediatric occupational therapists help children improve gross motor coordination through fun, targeted activities.
With stronger control and balance, children gain the physical skills needed to participate fully in school, play, and daily routines.
This support is part of our Pediatric Occupational Therapy program available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain.
What Is Gross Motor Coordination?
Gross motor coordination involves using large muscle groups to perform movements like walking, balancing, or climbing.
Children with poor coordination may appear clumsy, avoid physical play, or struggle with endurance.
Core weakness and motor planning challenges can affect everything from posture at a desk to confidence on the playground.
Improving these skills supports both physical health and emotional well-being.
When Should You Seek Support?
An evaluation may be helpful if your child:
- Falls often or appears unsteady when walking or running
- Struggles with stairs, jumping, or ball games
- Avoids playground equipment or group sports
- Tires easily or has poor posture
- Has trouble sitting still without slumping or fidgeting
- Seems unsure of how to start or sequence physical movements
With guidance, many children gain strength, control, and confidence quickly.
What to Expect in Therapy
Our sessions are active and play-based, with purposeful challenges designed to build strength and coordination. They may include:
- Core strengthening through climbing, crawling, and balance tasks
- Obstacle courses to support timing, sequencing, and body awareness
- Movement games that improve endurance and motor planning
- Postural control activities for sitting, standing, or classroom tasks
- Visual-motor games that combine eyes, hands, and full-body control
- Home strategies to encourage active play and movement breaks
Therapy is fun — but always focused on meaningful, functional outcomes.
Why Choose KidsHeart?
- Pediatric therapists experienced in gross motor development
- Playful environments designed to motivate and challenge
- Personalized programs that match your child’s pace and needs
- Real-world goals for school, sports, and independence
- Accessible care across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain
We help your child move with more ease — and more joy.
Helping Children Move Freely and Confidently
At KidsHeart, we build more than muscles — we help children discover what their bodies can do.
With strength, balance, and movement, every day becomes a little more possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not exactly. OT focuses on how gross motor skills impact function — like posture, play, and classroom participation.
Yes. Poor posture can make sitting, writing, or focusing much harder over time.
We use motivating, success-based activities to build confidence step by step.
Yes. Improved coordination supports better performance and enjoyment in physical activities.
Absolutely. We adapt activities to suit every child’s needs and strengths.