The domain of functional movement, which includes postural control, stability, flexibility, neuromuscular coordination and balance, represents an important component for lifelong and, potentially, injury-free participation in organized sports. Research frequently lists 7 essential functional movement patterns. These are the squat, the lunge, the push, the pull, the hinge, the rotation and the gait. UK Coaching suggests that children need to develop their “pillars of physical movement” in order to meet the tactical, technical and cognitive demands of their sport.
His list of key movements includes “corset”. Although no movement is performed during the placement of orthopedic appliances, according to UK Coaching, we believe that it is a fundamental strength exercise that, if neglected, can affect the development of other movements, including fundamental movement skills. For this reason, it is included in the MAPLE FMPs. Functional training for children serves as a forerunner to sports, activities for life and resistance training later in life.
Functional physical activity will help children develop overall body strength and, at the same time, establish core strength, mobility, flexibility and coordination. Functional training originated in rehabilitation and aims to restore the fundamental functioning of the body through specific motor activities in the affected limb. For more information on functional fitness and its importance, see my full blog post on functional training here. Functional training has now evolved significantly, and its emphasis on kinetic chain exercise, balance training, and multiarticular functional movements is consistent with the fundamental principles of motor skill development in early childhood.
