Quick Summary

Human body must function smoothly, should have the ability to control bodily movement and the nervous system must work in coordination with each other. When you have everything in order, you achieve purposeful action or you need a physical therapist to regain motor control function. In this article, we have discussed the methods through which a skilled therapist can help to keep your bodily movement functional. Let’s explore. 

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Human beings need motor skills to perform basic functions like eating, swallowing food, running, tying shoe laces and more. The nervous system, brain, and muscles in the body work collectively to help a person perform regular tasks. Some adults may experience loss of motor skills due to aging, accidents and other reasons. On the other hand, motor skills may not develop in children. Physical therapy services can address this problem.

Did you know 77% of teachers in a survey reported that fine motor skills have deteriorated in school children? 

This is intimidating and alarming. The reasons for children being so physically weak include reduced outdoor play time, spending hours on smartphones and reading time along with changes in childhood routines. 

However, in adults, decline in motor functions may start with individuals turning 30. A study by Science Direct suggests that older adults have plasticity potential to learn new motor skills and hence even after declining motor skills at the age of 30, they can learn, provided they are healthy and fit. 

Dealing with motor control issues can be difficult, but with proper therapy and medications, individuals can experience some recovery. This blog will shed light on how professionals can use physical therapy services to improve the condition of patients with poor motor control functions. Let’s get started.

What Are Motor Functions?

Motor functions are movements that an individual can perform without assistance. People develop motor functions at birth and it continues until early adulthood. The five most basic motor skills are running, sitting, standing, walking, and jumping. Motor skills can be further categorized into two categories.

Town Physical Therapy is the leading physical therapy service provider using cutting edge techniques and resources. We help patients regain motor control function that help them. 

Fine Motor Skills

Fine motor skills, also known as dexterity, enables hand-eye coordination in individuals. Fine motor skills also include movements humans make with their feet, wrists, toes, hands, and toes. As the human brain develops and becomes more mature, these fine motor skills help us accomplish complex tasks required for work, education and also to lead a productive life.

Factors Determining Fine Motor Skills 

• Muscle strength
• Coordination
• Awareness
• Planning
• Regular sensation in hands and feet
• Dexterity

Process of Fine Motor Skills 

To achieve fine motor skills,  it requires process. Apart from the process, you need a skilled and experienced therapist to help you gain the fine motor skills. It requires certain training,  personalized exercises, and repetitive practices.  if you were doing self practices to regain fine motor skills, it’s a complex process that requires the following:

• Muscle strength
• Coordination
• Awareness
• Planning
• Regular sensation in hands and feet
• Dexterity

Fine motor skills are crucial for optimal child development. This includes physical, cognitive, language and socio-emotional development.

Gross Motor Skills

Humans need gross motor skills to perform muscular movements like running, walking, throwing, holding objects, catching, jumping and so on. These movements recruit multiple muscles and body parts and these abilities develop in children from childhood. Improving coordination between the muscles and neurological system, gross motor skills are instrumental for making precise movements.

Gross motor skills impact the following abilities –

• Balance
• Body awareness
• Physical strength
• Coordination
• Reaction time

Conditions Affecting Fine Motor Skills

Conditions that affect fine motor skills include problems related to the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles along with joints and bones in the limbs. These problems create conditions that hamper fine motor skills, ranging from mild to severe. Individuals with these conditions take longer than usual (compared to regular people) to complete a task. In severe cases, individuals may not even be able to perform simple tasks

Some of the common conditions affecting fine motor skills in children include the following –

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Spina bifida
• Cerebral palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Developmental delays
• Hydrocephalus
• Dysgraphia
• Developmental coordination disorder
• Sensory processing disorder

The below conditions (most important ones) affect both children and adults:

• Genetic disorders
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Brain tumor
• Stroke
• Injuries to the muscles, nerves, joints and bones
• Traumatic brain injuries

Conditions that affect motor skills in adults include the following:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Dementia
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Huntington’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peripheral neuropathy

Conditions Affecting Gross Motor Skills

Problems in the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, joints, and bones can cause conditions that affect gross motor skills. These problems can cause conditions that can greatly hamper motor skills, which can range from mild, severe, to permanent. Common conditions in children and babies affecting gross motor skills include the following –

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Developmental delays
• Cerebral palsy
• Dyspraxia
• Down syndrome
• Premature birth

The below conditions (most important ones) affect both children and adults:

• Brain tumor
• Muscular dystrophy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord injuries
• Stroke
• Muscle, nerve, joint and bone injuries

Conditions (most common) that affect motor skills in adults include the following:

• Dementia
• Huntington’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Peripheral neuropathy

Treatment and Medication to Improve Motor Functions in Children

First, physical therapists conduct a detailed evaluation of the child to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the evaluation, the therapist adopts an evidence-based approach and implements learning techniques that align with the child’s age.

Physical therapists improve motor function in children by incorporating exercises and play activities into their schedule. These activities build neural pathways and help children acquire new skills. In more severe cases, physical and occupational therapy is required to help children learn these skills and prepare them for daily tasks.

Every child is different. Hence, physical therapy service providers create customized treatment plans for children to help them acquire new skills. Physical therapy services focus on gross motor skills and some exercises include the following –

• Gait and balance training
• Assistive devices
• Stretching and strengthening exercises
• Activities that parents perform with their children

Occupational therapy includes the following exercises –

• Activities that involve the coordinated use of both hands.
• Squeezing all the fingers to grasp an object.
• Moving objects in multiple directions/angles with hands.
• Perform activities that emphasize the pincer grip.
• Incorporate activities focusing on finger strength to write/sketch.
• Create optimal finger and thumb positions to perform tasks without moving the wrist.
• Strengthen muscles in the knuckles, fingers and joints surrounding them.

In order to reduce monotony and boredom, physical therapists include exercises in fun activities like puzzles, drawing and others.

8 Common Signs of Poor Motor Skills in Children

Below are some common signs of poor motor skills in children.

• Experiencing difficult to hold objects like pens, pencils, and bottles.
• Knocking over drinking glasses repeatedly.
• Falling/trip more than other children.
• Avoid activities like drawing, dancing, swimming, and writing.
• Inability to complete motor tasks.
• Difficulty experienced in shutting off faucets.
• Unable to complete puzzles and assembling legos
• Turning off devices is a major challenge.
• Catching and throwing balls is a difficult task.

Treatment to Improve Motor Function in Adults

Motor function in adults declines as they age. Motor skills may decline, but adults don’t lose the learning ability. Hence, it becomes important for adults to focus on exercises that prioritize strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Adults can improve their fine motor skills with activities like the following –

• Baking and cooking
• Making Jewellery
• Dancing
• Yoga
• Resistance training
• Puzzles
• Knitting and crocheting

Conditions like aging, illness, surgery or other long-term problems require adults to opt for physical therapy services to improve their motor skills. Over time, physical and occupational therapy in adults help them improve their motor functions and reduce dependence on others.

Medication to Help Patients Regain Motor Functions

In some conditions, medication may help patients improve motor function. For other conditions, medications may prove ineffective. Everything depends on the condition and its severity. Note that medication should only be consumed under the guidance of an experienced physical service therapy expert. Below are some medications that may help with improving motor skills.

• Methylphenidate for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• Dopamine replacement to improve motor skills in Parkinson’s patients.
• Cholinesterase inhibitors to improve motor skills after a stroke.
• Combining Levodopa and Carbidopa to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Conditions like DCD (dyspraxia) have no cure. Consult a physical services therapy expert before starting any medical treatment.

Conclusion

Whether it’s an adult experiencing motor control issues or a child with developmental issues (affecting motor skills), seeking professional guidance is a must. Town Physical Therapy is a reputed organization with offices in major cities and states across America. With our comprehensive care, support and guidance, you can improve your family member’s quality of life.

Call us on (201) 778-7903 to schedule an appointment.