Physical Therapy -> Strength -> Core

Core

Our abdominal muscles and back muscles have to work together so our bodies can sit, stand, or move. When our core strength is weak, babies tend to fling themselves backward in sitting or school kids have a difficult time sitting in their desk all day without squirming around. PT focuses on improving core strength in all ages.

Reference links

Activity List(s)

Visual Schedule Cards

Goal Bank

Top 20 (View all)

  • Given close supervision, Arnita will maintain sitting in a classroom chair for 5 minutes to participate in classroom activities on 3/4 opportunities as measured by therapist/teacher observation and documentation over 3 therapy sessions. 2
  • Ulysses will demonstrate symmetry throughout transitions, movement, standing, and ambulation in order to improve strength equally and navigate throughout the environment in 3 out of 4 attempts over 4 therapy sessions. 2
  • Katharine will be able to stand independently for 4-6 minutes while holding toy in both hands 3/4 trials without loss of balance in order to increase balance and LE/trunk strength over 4 therapy sessions. 2
  • Dana will demonstrate improved postural stability and cores strength, as evidenced by 30% increase in participation in climb/mount age-appropriate play equipment with modeling and min verbal assistance in 3 /4 trials. 0
  • Savvah will actively perform upper and lower extremity and trunk strengthening exercises in every session at least 10 mins per session in 6 consecutive sessions to be able to continue practicing independently at home. 0
  • Jane will hold an elbow plank, without dropping, for 5 seconds , 30 times a weeks, to improve core endurance. 1
  • Reinaldo will demonstrate age-appropriate and normalized gait pattern demonstrating decreased base of support, decreased high guard, and foot/ankle alignment x4 ft independently on level surface 3/4/ trials to access environment with no LOB over a 2 week period. 2
  • Kara will stand on tiptoes, with minimal sway, for 10 seconds, 5 times over 5 sessions, to promote higher scores on the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale. 1
  • Grant will demonstrate pull to stand at support surface independently with equal weight bearing through both legs and able to shift weight to both sides within 7-10 minutes of functional play activities and 3/4 trials to demonstrate core and mobility skills over 4 therapy sessions. 2
  • Felecia will demonstrate transitions from floor (sit-stand, supine-sit, prone-sit, squat-stand) independently through functional play in order to increase strength throughout extremities and trunk and increase play participation 90% of the time in 3/4 trials over 4 therapy sessions. 4
  • Pamala will demonstrate sitting unsupported on flat surface independently within 6-10 minutes for 3/4 trials while playing with toys and reaching outside of the base of support with no loss of balance to improve trunk strength, balance, and protective responses over 3 therapy sessions. 2
  • Carroll will demonstrate age appropriate gross motor skills independently within 5-7 minutes for 3/4 trials including pull to stand, standing, cruising and squatting through functional play for improved strength, balance and coordination over 4 therapy sessions. 2
  • Given close supervision, Terica will crawl on hands and knees 5 feet in the classroom to access preferred toys on 3/4 days over 3 consecutive weeks as measured by therapist/teacher observation and documentation. 2
  • Given single hand support, Ezequiel will walk up and down steps, demonstrating an alternate gait pattern with controlled stepping, and without loss of balance 3/4 attempts to improve core strength and motor planning, over 3 therapy sessions. 2
  • Given minimal assistance Brendan will propel his wheelchair 6 feet through the classroom on 3/4 opportunities throughout the day as measured by therapist/teacher observation and documentation over 4 therapy sessions to demonstrate mobility and core strength. 2
  • Harvey will be able to complete age-appropriate gross motor activities (jumping, kicking, throwing) with proper form to participate in PE activities 3 out of 4 trials as measured by teacher/therapist observation and documentation over a 3 week therapy period. 2
  • Kaley will demonstrate age-appropriate ball skills including catching with bilateral hands, throwing overhand/underhand, and kicking a ball with bilateral feet independently 80% of the time in 3/4 trials over 4 therapy sessions to demonstrate praxis and strength skills such as motor planning, core, and mobility. 2
  • Given supervision, Lloyd will climb on low play equipment on 3/4 opportunities as measured by therapist/teacher observation and documentation over 4 therapy sessions to improve strength and motor planning. 2
  • Chase will increase overall core strength for floor playtime, by crawling 15 feet, with no assist, to grab a toy, by the end of 1 month(s). 1
  • Caroline will sit upright, maintaining midline, with minimal support, hold 60 seconds for 8 sessions, to increase floor static stability for playtime functionality. 0

Resources

  • ’The Cat In the Hat’ Yoga Sequence preview

    ’The Cat In the Hat’ Yoga Sequence

    Whitney Castle

    This is a short yoga sequence to go along with the Dr. Seuss "The Cat in the Hat."

    2

  • Earth Day Yoga preview

    Earth Day Yoga

    Whitney Castle

    Short yoga sequence to help celebrate Earth Day

    2

  • Superhero Animal HIIT Exercise preview

    Superhero Animal HIIT Exercise

    Whitney Castle

    Enjoy this HIIT (high intensity interval training) exercise any time of the day. This is a kid friendly activity, but any adult can join! The activity incorporates animal moves to make it fun. Perf...

    2

  • Spring Equinox Exercise Acronym preview

    Spring Equinox Exercise Acronym

    Trenton Treadway SPT

    This is a list of exercises to enjoy the Spring spirit. These exercises should take place in a classroom.

    1

  • Physical Therapy For Spring: Strawberry preview

    Physical Therapy For Spring: Strawberry

    Dana Parker PTA

    A collection of coordination, core strength, upper and lower extremity strength, and crossing the midline activities. Great for those who are dreaming of delicious spring and summer strawberries.

    Includes activity list

    3

  • Physical Therapy For Spring: Daffodils preview

    Physical Therapy For Spring: Daffodils

    Dana Parker PTA

    Physical Therapy Resource. Movement Resource. PT. Exercise Resource. A collection of coordination, core strength, upper and lower extremity strength, and crossing the midline activities. Great for ...

    Includes activity list

    3

  • Physical Therapy For Jokesters: Wisecrack preview

    Physical Therapy For Jokesters: Wisecrack

    Dana Parker

    Physical Therapy Resource. Movement Resource. Exercise Resource. PT. A collection of coordination, core strength, upper and lower extremity strength, and crossing the midline activities. Great for ...

    Includes activity list

    3

  • Wonderwoman Warm-Up preview

    Wonderwoman Warm-Up

    Whitney Castle

    A fun little super hero warm up activity based with Wonder Woman packed with gross motor skills!

    2

  • Dr. Seuss ’Sleep Book’ Yoga Sequence preview

    Dr. Seuss ’Sleep Book’ Yoga Sequence

    Whitney Castle

    This is a short yoga sequence to follow along with the Dr. Seuss "Sleep Book."

    2

  • "I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie" Yoga Activity preview

    "I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie" Yoga Activity

    Whitney Castle

    Read and move along to the book! Use the old lady to print and cut a circle/opening for her mouth or use on white board. Print and cut out food items to place in Old Lady's mouth or use food items ...

    Includes activity list

    2

  • Holiday Breakfast Yoga and Breathing Activities preview

    Holiday Breakfast Yoga and Breathing Activities

    Whitney Castle, PT, DPT

    Yoga Resource. Movement Resource. Physical Therapy Resource. Occupational Therapy Resource. Mindfulness Resource. Move and breathe along with a holiday breakfast menu with yoga poses and breathing ...

    Includes activity list

    3