Graded Control & Force Modulation in Kids
Today we are going to dive into the topic of Graded Control, also known as, Force Modulation. Graded Control is our body’s ability to use the correct amount of force to complete a task. So, when we pick up a paper cup full of water we use the right amount of pressure so as not to crush the cup, when we give someone a hug or hand shake we don’t squeeze too hard, or when we throw a ball to a friend we don’t throw it too short, too long, or too hard. In order to complete these tasks with the correct of force we must modulate or grade the force, we use to complete each task.
Children learn graded control by interacting with their environment during play. Babies have to practice picking up a bottle or sippy cup and bringing it to their mouth without banging themselves in the face. They learn how hard they need to push their little car to get it to the desired location. They learn exactly how to place a block in their tower so it balance and doesn’t fall down. All of their learning of graded control or force modulation requires a lot of exploring, experience and practice.
Difficulties with Graded Control
Some children have a lot of difficulty with graded control or force modulation. And there can be many reasons that these difficulties occur.
First, we have to consider the sensory component of graded control. Some children have difficulty processing the sensory information they receive from the environment and reacting to it in a functional and purposeful way. For example, if I see my friend on the playground kick a ball to me, but I can’t judge how far away he is or how fast the ball is approaching me then my ability to kick the ball back to him with enough force to get there (my graded control) is going to impaired.
2. Second, we have to consider the musculoskeletal component of graded control. Do I have enough muscle length and strength to actually reach out and pick up my candy land player piece from the board without knocking everyone else’s over?
3. Third, we have to consider experience and practice. The ability to perform movements with the appropriate amount of force takes a lot of practice, exploration, and experience. So, if a child is delayed in their development, has a medical condition that limits their movement, or spends too much time on screens then maybe they haven’t enough experience and practice to develop their graded control/force modulation skills.
So, now that we know what graded control is, let’s get to the fun stuff, how we can work on it. There are tons of ways to improve a child’s force modulation/graded control.
Ways to Work on Graded Control
Work on Body Awareness: Improving a child’s ability to understand where their body is in space is an important component to improving graded control. There are lots of ways to improve body awareness. I actually have an entire video on this topic which I will link here. But, one of the simplest, techniques is to use Heavy Work. Heavy work is any activity that involves pushing, pulling, or lifting. These type of activities activate those important proprioceptors in our muscles, bones, and joints which tell our brain where our bodies are in space.
Simple Heavy Work activities are things like: Play Doh, Pillow Fights, Pushing laundry baskets with books in them around the house, washing a window, wiping off the counter. If you prefer exercises, things like planks, push-ups, and superman are great options. I have a follow along video for heavy work activities here and a free printable with a bunch of heavy work activities.
Practice Games and Activities that require graded control to complete. Below is a list of some of my favorites. Each of these products are listed in my Amazon Affiliate Storefront:
Board Games: Jenga, Dominos, Don’t Break the Ice, and Operation
Crafts like Paint by Number
Stacking Blocks or Plastic Cups
Zip Ball or Toss Across
Prone on a scooter board while you follow a taped line or chalk line.
Kitchen Fun: Pouring liquids into measuring cups, scooping ingredients into measuring cups, mixing batter, and loading the dishwasher.
Playing with make-up.
Throwing, Catching, Kicking a ball.
Kicking Ping Pong Balls or Bean Bags off of a cones or upside down plastic cups.
Kitchen Fun: Pouring water from one container to another and cooking (cracking eggs, mixing batter, and measuring ingredients).
Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you found this post helpful!
-Heather
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