Building a Strong Foundation: The Importance of Core Strength and Postural Stability in Children

Core strength refers to the collective strength of the muscles in the abdominal, lower back, and pelvic regions. These muscles work in unison to stabilise and support the spine and pelvis, enabling us to maintain an upright position and perform various movements effectively. A strong core is crucial for everyday activities, including sitting, standing and bending.

Postural stability, on the other hand, refers to the ability to maintain a stable and balanced position against external forces. It involves the coordination of multiple muscle groups to resist gravity and maintain proper alignment of the body's segments. Postural stability is essential for sitting upright without slouching and preventing fatigue.

If you notice that your child or the child you work with has poor core strength and postural stability, there are several strategies you can implement to help them develop these skills. One effective method is incorporating a therapy ball into their routine. By sitting on the therapy ball instead of a traditional chair while attending to table top activities, playing video games, doing homework, or watching TV, children are engaged in an activity that naturally encourages core muscle engagement and postural control.

Core strength and postural stability are not just important for the present, they lay the foundation for a lifetime of good health and well-being. By prioritising the development of these skills in children, we empower them to maintain proper posture, and support their overall physical and mental development.