Supporting fine motor skills and coordination in relation to visual function

16. May 2025

​Ergotherapy is a professional discipline focused on the development and restoration of abilities that a person needs to live independently. For children, this process is particularly important, as it involves not only improving physical skills, but also social and cognitive abilities that are necessary for everyday functioning. We talked about how occupational therapy works for children with Mgr. Natália Hrušková – child occupational therapist from the Ponseti Clinic and assistant professor at the University of West Bohemia. The interview took place as part of a seminar focused on multidisciplinary cooperation, which took place on March 25, 2025.

What is occupational therapy?

​Ergotherapy focuses on achieving maximum self-sufficiency. This term is often mentioned, but many do not realize how broadly it can be understood. Self-sufficiency in children does not only mean managing daily activities such as dressing, eating or using the toilet. In children, it also includes the ability to play, join a team and communicate with others. All of these are important factors for their development, and occupational therapy addresses them precisely through play and individually tailored therapeutic methods.

Basic groups of children with whom an occupational therapist works

1. Children after injuries and operations

Children who have experienced an injury or surgery face many challenges, such as limited range of motion, pain, or impaired fine motor skills. "The first step is to restore momentum, improve fine motor skills, or choose a suitable compensatory aid that will make the activity easier for the child." says Mgr. Natálie Hrušková. An occupational therapist can use various methods, for example inflatable splints to correct increased muscle activity or Mirror therapy, which uses the reflection of a healthy limb to stimulate the movement of a diseased hand.

2. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Sensory Integration Disorders

In children, autism spectrum disorders can affect not only social interactions, but also the perception of stimuli from the environment. A sensory integration disorder is also often present, which means that the child may be hypersensitive to touch, sounds or light. "The occupational therapist works with children through a multisensory environment, which includes various toys and materials that stimulate all the senses," the specialist describes. This approach helps children better regulate their perception and improve coordination of movements.

3. Children with congenital syndromes or combined disabilities

For children with combined defects, such as cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, it is often necessary to choose suitable compensatory aids, for example mechanical wheelchairs, verticalization stands or special positioning seats. "Each tool is custom designed to meet the specific needs of the child," explains Mgr. Natálie Hrušková. Choosing these aids also includes trying out different models and working with the family.

How does occupational therapy help children in practice?:

Children's occupational therapy is not only about exercises, but also about creating an environment that supports the child's natural development. Using play, sensory stimulation and individual activities, the occupational therapist tries to make the child as self-sufficient as possible. In addition, emphasis is placed on cooperation with family and school, which is key to the successful development of skills in a child's everyday life.

Occupational therapy for children is not only about exercise methods, but also about psychological support, managing frustration and adapting to different environments. Children often also need support in managing their emotions, which is an important part of the therapeutic process. Importantly, each child is unique and each therapy is tailored to their individual needs.

Innovative tools for effective therapy

In addition to traditional therapeutic methods, occupational therapy also uses special aids that support the development of motor and sensory skills. Among the most interesting are:

• **Sensory aids **– visual, auditory, tactile objects that help children influence their perception
• Strength vests and blankets – which help children with sensory integration disorders to improve their perception of body position.
• Mirror Therapy Kit – which uses visual illusion to restore movement to a paralyzed limb.

Occupational therapy at home: DIY tools

Many of these gadgets can easily be replaced with homemade alternatives. "For example, to stimulate the feet, you can create a track at home with different materials, such as rice, pine cones or chestnuts," recommends Mgr. Natálie Hrušková. This creative approach is not only cost-effective, but also motivates children to engage in activities.

We are Ponseti Clinic.

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