To perform everyday tasks, you need fine and large motor skills. Fine motor skills allow you to write, tie your shoe laces, feed yourself and perform other activities requiring the use of the hands. Large, or gross, motor skills allow you to walk, sit, stand, run and jump. The large muscle groups, such as hip, thigh and leg muscles, are involved in large motor skills.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills include these: Reach is when you move and stabilize an arm and hand to make contact with an object, such as reaching for a cup. Grasp is when you attain the object with the hand--you grasp the cup. To carry an object is to move your arm in space to transport it from one place to another. Release is to intentionally let go of an object at a specific time and place--you drop a ball when and where you intended. In-hand manipulation allows you to you move an object within your hand--for example, you move a coin from between your fingers to your palm. Bilateral hand use is using both hands together effectively to accomplish a task, such as buttoning button your shirt.
Large Motor Skills
Large motor skills require an adequate measure of these components: Range of motion (ROM) is the ability of a joint, such as a shoulder joint, to move through an arc to perform a desired task. Strength enables you to walk, run, climb stairs, dress yourself and perform other activities of daily living. Endurance allows you to perform sustained activity. Strength alone is not enough. You need endurance to complete an activity. Coordination is the ability to produce accurate, controlled movement. It should be smooth, have the appropriate speed and involve the minimum number of muscle groups to complete the task, such as when you use your hand to write. Sensation is what allows you to receive feedback from your environment. Tactile (touch) and proprioception (knowing the position of your body parts) are most important. For example, to walk, you must be aware of your feet making contact with the floor, or you might fall. Balance also is a part of sensation.
Final Considerations
To have efficient fine and large motor skills, all muscle groups must work in harmony with each other. Unfortunately, aging, illness, injury or a developmental delay can interfere with your fine or large motor skills. If you have problems in any of these areas, you can get help from a physical therapist or an occupational therapist.
References
- Occupational Therapy for Children; Jane Case-Smith, Anne Allen, Pat Pratt; 1953
- Practice Skills For Physical Dysfunction; Lorraine Williams Pedretti; 1996
