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Jody Dwyer

Jody Dwyer

Senior Occupational Therapist

Bilateral Coordination: Why It’s Crucial and How OT Helps

child balancing on beam

Bilateral motor coordination, a term that might not be familiar to everyone, is actually an essential skill we use every day. This ability allows us to use both sides of our body in a coordinated and synchronised manner. Often underestimated, bilateral coordination is the unsung hero behind many routine activities—be it typing on a keyboard, cooking a meal, or navigating a car. Despite its quiet presence in our daily lives, we seldom acknowledge its crucial role. However, Occupational Therapy (OT) recognises its importance and offers specialised strategies for enhancing this skill, thus enhancing an ability to perform various life tasks.

Role of Bilateral Coordination in Child Development

Developing bilateral coordination is deeply intertwined with our cognitive development process. As children learn to crawl, walk, and eventually write, the synchronous use of both sides of their body enhances neural connectivity. This cross-talk between the hemispheres of the brain fosters cognitive abilities like problem-solving, spatial awareness, and multitasking.

The simultaneous use of both limbs is crucial in honing these fine and gross motor skills. Everyday tasks that we might take for granted, like cutting paper with scissors or playing a game of baseball, are underpinned by bilateral coordination. These actions require a sophisticated level of coordination, where one hand stabilises the object while the other performs a specific task.

An often overlooked aspect of bilateral motor coordination is its impact on social development. When children engage in play that demands cooperative hand and eye movements, they’re doing more than just enjoying themselves. These activities are a playground for mastering bilateral coordination (referred to as bilateral coordination activities), which is instrumental in team sports and group activities. This aspect of coordination not only enhances physical capabilities but also enriches social interactions and collective experiences, making them more enjoyable and rewarding.

child playing the piano

Developing Bilateral Coordination

From zipping up a jacket to driving a car, the smooth, coordinated use of both hands not only impacts the efficiency but also elevates the quality of these activities, making them seem effortless yet precise.

Beyond everyday tasks, bilateral coordination scales to impressive professional heights. Athletes, for instance, showcase this skill brilliantly as they dribble and shoot in high-stakes environments. Musicians, too, demonstrate the nuances of bilateral coordination as they master intricate sequences on a piano or strum complex chords on a guitar. In these high-skilled professions, the secret ingredient to success often lies in the mastery of bilateral coordination skills.

Regular practice and refinement of bilateral coordination can lead to a reduced risk of physical injuries and enhanced cognitive abilities. It opens doors to diverse career opportunities, especially in fields that demand advanced motor skills or creative problem solving. Bilateral coordination is not just about accomplishing daily tasks; it’s a gateway to personal and professional growth.

Bilateral Coordination: The Challenges 

However, mastering bilateral coordination is not always a straightforward journey. Challenges in developing this skill can range from neurological disorders like cerebral palsy to a lack of practice or exposure to activities that stimulate both sides of the body. While genetics may lay the foundation, environmental factors often play a pivotal role in shaping one’s bilateral coordination abilities.

In professional settings, a lack of bilateral coordination can be a significant disadvantage due to the high demand for efficiency and precision in many occupations. Inadequate skills in this area can lead to decreased productivity, increased error rates, and even safety concerns in some professions. 

Access to targeted activities and therapies can be transformative in enhancing an individual’s coordination skills. Occupational therapy, in particular, offers a range of therapies that can be ideal to overcoming some of these challenges. It offers specialised techniques and exercises tailored to improving bilateral coordination, catering to the unique needs of each individual. 

At Therapy Partners, we understand these challenges, and we work diligently to provide comprehensive support and guidance. Our tailored therapy programs are designed not just to address the immediate challenges but to equip our clients with skills that enhance their overall life experience. From custom exercise routines to innovative therapy techniques, our focus is on fostering growth, independence, and confidence in anyone.

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Gold Coast, Queensland

Bilateral Coordination: Occupational Therapy Interventions

Occupational therapists use a range of activities and observations to assess an individual’s bilateral coordination motor skills. This often includes a mix of standardised measurements and personalised benchmarks, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each person’s unique abilities.

From there, an OT will craft tailored therapeutic plans that cater to the specific needs of the individual. These plans are dynamic, involving a blend of exercises and bilateral coordination activities, and sometimes incorporate assistive devices or toys to enhance the experience. The activities selected can be diverse, ranging from rhythm-based exercises to balance board activities, and even innovative virtual reality simulations—all aimed at improving someone’s bilateral coordination.

Whether it’s supporting children with developmental challenges or aiding adults in their recovery after traumatic experiences, OT has demonstrated a broad spectrum of success. These interventions not only address immediate coordination issues but also contribute to overall development and recovery, making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

child and OT working togeher to practise balancing

The influence of bilateral coordination extends into almost every aspect of our daily lives, although we frequently overlook its significance. Occupational Therapy provides a valuable avenue for individuals to enhance this skill. This improvement makes everyday tasks, as well as more specialised or work-based activities, easier and more efficient. If you or someone you know struggles with bilateral coordination, don’t hesitate to contact us to find out how we can help. Our team of occupational therapists can help take the first step towards a more coordinated and fulfilling life.

Jody Dwyer

Jody Dwyer

Senior Occupational Therapist

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