
What is Coordination?
Coordination is the ability to organise and time a series of movements in a specific pattern that results in the desired movement.
Children develop their coordination skills through learning to move as a baby and through play as they get older. Children and young people who have difficulty coordinating their movement may have had barriers to learning these skills in early childhood.
There are different sensors/receptors in our bodies, that pick up different sensations and send them as messages to the brain such as touch, temperature, and pain. The brain learns how to respond to these messages with practice. The main sensation involved in coordination is called proprioception.
Proprioceptors are the sensors that tell your brain where your body, arms or legs are, without you needing to look at them. If your child has not developed the ability to respond to this sensation, for whatever reason, they may struggle with coordination.
General physical activity, and exercise are the only way to improve coordination of big movements such as running or jumping. The most successful way to do this is to find a sport or activity that you enjoy. Keep practicing, and you are going to improve!
What can I do to help myself/my child?
It is important to encourage appropriate activity levels in children and young people. (Include link to info)
NHS
- Physical activity guidelines for children (under 5 years) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Physical activity guidelines for children and young people – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
DOH
- Physical activity for early years: birth to 5 years (publishing.service.gov.uk)
- Physical activity for children and young people: 5 to 18 years (publishing.service.gov.uk)UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines for disabled children and disabled young people: infographic (publishing.service.gov.uk)
These activities can help a child with their gross motor development and help prevent falls and trips.
- Indoor Activities Ideas PDF – Information for Patients Children’s Physiotherapy Service
- Outdoor Activities Ideas PDF – Information for Patients Children’s Physiotherapy Service
If a child or young person cannot carry out tasks or activities expected of their age group, it is important to practice the problem task with them and give them extra support. It is also important to make sure they are getting enough physical activity every day to help the coordination systems improve.
The information in Step Two and Step Three explains the factors that can affect the severity and impact of muscle joint and bone symptoms.
The information in Step Two and Step Three explains the factors that can affect the severity and impact of muscle joint and bone symptoms.
Step Two explains the factors that may be contributing to your situation.
Step Three explains self-management advice on what you can do to help yourself.
Following the 3-step process will help you make the most out of the information on this website.
Learn more about:
What can be done to help me/my child?
An assessment of your problem and treatment may be necessary if the self-management advice in Step 3 does not help. Consider seeking further help.
If you continue to be concerned about the symptoms you are experiencing and are unsure what to do contact your GP practice or ring NHS Wales 111.