The influence of the musculoskeletal system on children’s visual function

27. May 2025

Children's physiotherapy is a key element in supporting the proper development of children. Bc. Pavlína Malá, an experienced children's physiotherapist at the Ponseti Clinic, explains how a physiotherapist can help not only children, but also parents, teachers and other experts in supporting the psychomotor development of the little ones.

What does a pediatric physical therapist do?

A children's physiotherapist focuses mainly on the motor functions and skills of children. The examination takes place in the form of a game, which helps to obtain natural and spontaneous manifestations of the child, which are crucial for the correct targeting of therapy (physiotherapy). "In our surgery, we use various diagnostic tests and exercises, which we perform in a playful way. It is important that the child is relaxed and has the opportunity to express himself naturally," explains Bc. Pavlína Malá.

​Pediatric physiotherapy focuses on a wide range of areas, from diagnosis of motor functions to work with reflexes and coordination of movements. The main areas of examination include, for example:

• Motor functions and skills: How the child reacts to different positions of the body in space and when performing different movements. It is also important to observe how the child is able to overcome the midline of the body in terms of movement, e.g. whether the right hand can perform activities on the left side of the body (in the left field of vision)
• Developmental language disorder: A disorder that manifests itself as problems in acquiring, understanding, producing or using language, which typically appears at an early age and greatly limits the individual's ability to communicate.
• Visual functions: In young children, emphasis is placed on correct eye fixation and tracking of objects. For example, contrast toys are used for babies and it is monitored whether the child reacts to various stimuli. This part of the examination can reveal any visual deficiencies that can also affect the child's motor skills.
• Primitive reflexes: The physiotherapist observes whether the child's reflexes, such as grasping a hand or startle at an inappropriate stimulus, e.g. a loud sound (raised voice), are integrated or integrated within motor skills rather than disappearing completely. If they persist longer than normal, it can mean that the baby is not developing quite right in movement - and you need to pay attention to this.

Collaboration with other experts

A pediatric physiotherapist works closely with other specialists such as vision therapists, neurologists and pediatricians. If a visual disorder is suspected during the examination, the child can be sent for an examination to a specialist who will focus on visual functions.

"For example, if we find that a child shows signs of visual deficiencies, it can be a clue to us that vision therapy should be started. At the same time, we monitor how the child compensates for visual problems using motor skills and other senses," explains Bc. Little one.

In addition, the physiotherapist also monitors other aspects such as asymmetries in movement, relief positions or changes in walking and coordination. All this can indicate whether the child needs professional help.

How can parents help?

Parents are the first observers of motor and visual deviations in their child. In the home environment, they may experience, for example:

• High fatigue or frequent rubbing of the eyes: This can be the effect of insufficient visual functions
• Relief Positions: If the child tilts his head to one side or shows other unusual movements, this may be a sign of motor or vision problems.
• **Asymmetry in movement:**If the child does not perform movements symmetrically, for example when turning to both sides or when climbing, this may be an indicator that a professional examination is needed.

Parents can detect early signs of problems that might otherwise go unnoticed until later in life. If parents notice anything unusual, they can contact a pediatric physiotherapist to help assess motor function and recommend appropriate therapy.

When to see a pediatric physiotherapist?

A pediatric physiotherapist can help at different stages of a child's development. If parents or educators encounter any problems in the area of ​​motor skills, orientation in space or visual perception, it may be appropriate to consult the child with a specialist. The physiotherapist then suggests suitable exercises, or collaborates with other specialists in clinical vision therapy, ergotherapy or [speech therapy](/specialization/clinical-speech therapy).

A children's physiotherapist is an essential member of a team of experts who participate in supporting the healthy development of a child. Parents, educators and other specialists can work together to ensure the correct development of children, which includes not only movement skills and their maximum variability and adaptability to changes in the environment, but also visual and psychomotor functions

If you notice any deviations, do not hesitate to seek the help of a professional who can recommend appropriate therapy and next steps. "It is important to recognize a different manifestation in children in time than what parents or educators are used to (or what they know about their children). We want to support the idea that if parents or educators notice something that they do not see, it is great to contact a physiotherapist for preventive reasons - even if it is not an obvious problem, such a consultation can significantly support the preventive component of physiotherapy. The earlier the problem is discovered, the bigger it is chance to successfully improve the child's motor skills," concludes physiotherapist Pavlína Malá.

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