Bending Is Believing

During infancy and childhood, there are several pivotal times for the development of gross motor movements and muscular development. Parents are often concerned if a child does not reach a particular age-related goal (walking, for example) within a narrow time frame. Children will vary in their gross motor acquisition, and some may develop later than others. In the case of individuals on the autism spectrum, physiological, or movement deficits can inhibit the development of functionally sound gross motor movements. Whether neurological, physiological in origin, problems with motor skills can result in compensatory movement patterns.

Our bodies evolved to respond to stimuli or “commands” from the brain. The remarkable reality is that our bodies will perform movements regardless of our readiness or ability to safely and efficiently negotiate the action. If we were unable to complete actions our body was not ready to perform perfectly, there would be no pulled hamstrings on the track, no herniated discs at the factory, and no tennis elbow. Muscle compensations occur when there is an imbalance between muscle groups and/or a weak and inhibited muscle. With respect to the young autism population, muscular imbalances can develop as a result of pre-existing movement deficits combined with sedentary daily routines and a lack of vigorous physical activity. Here’s the equation:

Movement Deficit + Compensatory Movement Pattern x Continued Cycle of Inactivity = Muscle Imbalances and Poor Quality of Gross Motor Skills

As discussed in previous FBF articles, physical fitness is a gateway towards a wide range of abilities and options in life. A foundation of poor movement quality will often result in a decreased motivation to engage in novel play or regular physical activity. For younger individuals, both neurotypical and on the autism spectrum, muscular imbalances can be easily addressed and remedied with some smart programming and ingenuity. The majorities of movement imbalances that I come across with my athletes are hip-based, and usually evident in poor gait and posture. The typical “intervention” involves, strangely enough, hip-based exercises and activities.

One of the big gross motor movements is squatting, or a low bending of the knees. This action can be used as both an assessment and as a fitness activity integrated into a physical education program. What we are after is hip-flexion, or a bending motion. Individuals with tight hip-flexors often lean forward when attempting to perform a low squat, or rise up on their toes with the heels off the floor. A compensation pattern I’ve found to be quite popular in the autism circle is bending with straight legs and a rounded back, bypassing the whole leg-bending ordeal entirely. This type of compromise can not only lead to poor postural stability, but to injury as well.

Fortunately, there are PLENTY of different exercises and activities that can be used to develop proper hip flexion. I have found the “Grab Ball Complex” (GBC) extremely effective in teaching children on the spectrum how to perform a squat properly. The GBC is performed by holding a ball slightly lower than the athlete’s hips (about knee level), and having them grab and then pass the ball back to the instructor. Monster walks, which consist of taking BIG steps across a particular area of space, are another great hip-flexion exercise, particularly when used as a warm-up. Having trouble coming up with some squatting variations? Just consider the goal of getting the butt close to the ground with the feet planted on the floor and design the activity around that. Get creative and fun, and make sure the athlete can perform the activity independently before moving on to more challenging exercises. Remember, exercise is something we do. Fitness is something we live.

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