Effective arm movement and control is only possible when core (trunk) strength and stability are present. A stable core provides a solid base of support from which the arms and legs are free to move with precision and control. Core muscles are those muscles that stabilize the shoulder girdle, spine and pelvis.
Postural control refers to the ability to maintain an upright trunk position. This is an important skill needed for developing fine motor skills. Without good postural control, a child may have difficulty maintaining an upright sitting posture and may fatigue easily when sitting at a desk in school. Plus using the hands well will be difficult. When postural control is adequate, the hands may be used effectively for working on tabletop tasks, such as writing and cutting with scissors. For the hands to work well, strength, stability and mobility are necessary in the shoulders and forearms. So, in addition to the shoulders being strong, wrist stability is an important component for having precise finger control.
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