Last entry, we discussed back strengthening.  You probably had a sneaking suspicion that more was involved ... I love those boat position exercises in yoga and Pilates because I’ve been demonstrating “prone extension” to parents for years.  I’m a swimmer, too, so my  back is pretty strong.  Then the abdominal  routine begins and I’m in agony.  

Strong, flat abs may make a person look buff, (it’s an unfulfilled life goal of mine),  but there are more compelling reasons for children to develop strength in these muscles as well as all the muscles wrapping around from the front to back of the body.

First we need to clear up something very important.  The next several paragraphs  WILL NOT discuss an exercise program for children.  Those who were rolling their eyes at the thought of yet another pushy child development program may breathe a sigh of relief.  Those who were ready to get the web site address for the latest Kiddy Abs video will be sorely disappointed and may want to click on something else.

I’d rather start in a second grade classroom.  The teacher asked me to take a look at a little boy.  She said he was smart and sweet as could be.  In all honesty, she didn’t think he was trying to disrupt the class.  But at least once, if not twice a day he’d fall out of his chair.  Boom.  It didn’t matter if  they were reading quietly, doing a writing assignment or having a class discussion.  It seemed random, but there you had it.  Suddenly he would simply smack dab fall on the floor.  The children found it hysterical.  It was becoming a major source of commotion for the class.

I did a brief assessment of the child.  He actually was a star athlete on his soccer team, so the parents were quite surprised when I shared that their son had weak trunk strength, especially in the ability to curl the body up and hold the position against gravity. 

So what?  Well that core strength has many jobs to do during the day.  Keeping the skeleton inside your skin upright all day is one.  Staying  balanced on a chair is another.  When the center of gravity shifts, such as when you reach for a pencil that falls on the floor,  muscles in the back, sides and front of the trunk need to work cooperatively to make the adjustments necessary to maintain balance.  If everything is not working together we have the weakest link scenario.

It’s hard to imagine losing your balance when sitting in a chair for most of us.  But think of maintaining your balance in a car when someone takes a  sharp curve faster than intended. Typically you grab for an arm rest or something to support yourself and prevent yourself from crashing into the side of the door or the driver, depending on which direction you are turning.

As a child fatigues in upright positions, the simple action of reaching for a book or shifting positions in the chair may cause a fall.  For some children,  the problem is not as dramatic.  They manage to stay in their seats but the postural fatigue makes it difficult for them to concentrate on the task at hand. 

Many teachers have seen the slouching, sagging bodies by about 2 PM.  Enlightened teachers see the gradual deterioration in posture and call for a stand and stretch session.  This helps “re-boot” or wake up the muscles since they get to change positions. (The physiology is more complicated than that, but trust me it works...will go into more detail at a later date).

Now let’s get back to baby-dom and think about what happens as a child learns to sit in the very beginning.  Of course, back strengthening helps facilitate the ability to sit up.  Keeping an upright position, however requires all the muscles circling that “core.” 

In these pictures, Bobby is not ready to sit on his own.  Giving a little support to his hips and back help him sit upright.

Strengthening the muscles in the front of the body and the sides occurs especially through reaching activities, changes in position and staying upright while moving.

Bouncing the baby in the lap and moving side to side help develop muscles throughout the trunk and develop balancing reactions.  Remember to keep enough support for the head until the neck is strong enough to do it alone.

Rolling is another great way to activate muscles all through the trunk.

This was done by activating automatic postural reactions ... don’t worry, we’ll discuss this later as well.

There’s lots more to discuss about core strength and all the very important things that develop once the trunk provides a solid base.

Today we will simply review some activities which facilitate this very important process.

Infants:  Change the position frequently so muscles get activated and moved to create a healthy balance. 

When lifting, gently lift the head and exert some pressure on the thighs.  This facilitates a reflex which activates the infant’s body to assist in sitting.

Provide necessary head support, but experiment with gentle  movements which activate muscles; bouncing and side to side movements are examples.  Make sure the baby is comforted and Not overtaxed when doing these activities.

Babies and toddlers:  Sit baby on lap and slowly lower over knees.  Provide some support to the head.  Then gradually pull the child back up giving some support but encouraging the child to pull up to sitting as well.

Reaching for toys:  Encourage reaching in all positions; sitting, tummy lying, side lying, crawling and standing.

Rolling:  Play rolling games; early on help the baby with the rolling movement.  By the time of toddlerhood, rolling around the room should be a pleasure and should be enjoyed.

Crawling:  The more the better.

Preschool:  More of toddler activities ... just because they can do more doesn’t mean they don’t still enjoy getting down on the floor and playing.  Rolling around, crawling with trucks and other make believe are great pleasures to little ones.

Climbing:  This is a great activity to especially work on trunk flexion.

Preschool and Elementary:  More climbing.  Crab walking.   Balancing games.

Photo credits:  Skier courstesy of Homeboyski.com

                        Bobby photos by Eileen Counihan

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