Introduction[edit | edit source]The definition of coordination is the ability to execute smooth, accurate, controlled motor responses (optimal interaction of muscle function). Show
It is the process that results in activation of motor units of multiple muscles with simultaneous inhibition of all other muscles in order to carry out a desired activity.[1] The cerebellum is the primary centre in the brain for coordination for movement and the ability to execute smooth accurate motor response. For coordinated movements to occurs all the below systems are involved
Image: Cerebellum (highlighted in green) - sagittal view[2] Components of Coordinated Movement[edit | edit source]Coordinated movement is dependent on:
Types of Coordination[edit | edit source]Motor coordination to complete a task a collaboration of three skills:
Causes of Coordination Impairments[edit | edit source]Uncoordinated movement or coordination impairment is known medically known as ataxia. There are a number of known causes for ataxia. They range from chronic conditions to sudden onset. However, most conditions will relate to damage or degeneration of the cerebellum. Coordinated movement requires a functioning cerebellum, spinal cord and peripharal nervous system. Diseases and injuries that damage or destroy any of these structures can lead to ataxia. These include:
Toxins can also cause ataxia. These include:
Examples of Coordination Tests in the Upper Limb[edit | edit source]In the following tests, you will be looking for signs of Intention tremors and Decomposition of movements or Dysmetria: in the form of hypermetria or hypometria
Examples of Coordination Tests in the Lower Limb[edit | edit source]
Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test Coordination Tests for Athletes / Everyday Sports Person[edit | edit source]Many high level tests also exist to help assess and improve an athletes skills and performance e.g. Stick Flip Coordination Test; Wall-Toss Test; Block Transfer; Soda Pop Test; Plate Tapping; Light Board; Test Heel-to-knee test. The below video shows an athlete going through a series of high end coordination tests [9] General Principles of Coordination Exercises Involve[edit | edit source]
Physiotherapy - Therapeutic Exercises Used to Improve Coordination[edit | edit source]There are many interventions that can be utilised to improve coordination, such as:
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Evidence[edit | edit source]There is a lot of good evidence for the inclusion of coordination exercises for a whole raft of conditions. A Cochrane review (2015) into the effectiveness of Pilates in low back pain found low to moderate quality evidence for Pilates in treating low back pain (being more effective intervention than minimal intervention in the short and intermediate term reducing pain intensity and disability, with most of the effect sizes being considered medium). [13] A 2015 study investigating the effect of coordination movement using the Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) pattern underwater on the balance and gait of stroke patients found that coordination movement using the PNF pattern beneficial. It can be an appropriate therapy method for stroke patients who have problems with gait because of declined weight support and balancing ability. Improvements were found in both functional reach and Berg Balance Test (BBT).[14] A 2011 study entitled "Effectiveness of coordination exercise in improving cognitive function in older adults: a prospective study" found that low-intensity level mind-body exercise could be beneficial to the cognitive functioning of older adults.[15] A study onto the effect of coordination training with tennis players found that coordination training program help athletes to learn and perform the forehand and backhand tennis skills better.[16] A 2015 study into the effectiveness of a sensory integration program in motor skills in children with autism concluded that it was an effective treatment helping autistic children to become more independent and participate in everyday activities.[17] A study into the effects of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) Coordination exercise on elderly people concluded that " elderly people who regularly practice TCC show better postural stability in the more challenging conditions than those who do not (e.g, conditions with simultaneous disturbance of vision and proprioception). TCC as a coordination exercise may reduce the risk of falling by maintaining the ability of posture control. TCC is strongly recommended as a regimen of coordination exercise to prevent the elderly from falling."[18] A study involving stroke patients and the effectiveness of Frenkels exercises found significant gains in relation to coordination, balance and functional activities with the inclusion of Frenkel exercises in physical therapy approach. [19] References:[edit | edit source]
What is the ability to use the senses and body parts to perform motor tasks smoothly?Coordination: The ability to use one's senses together with one's body parts, or to use twoor more body parts together.
Is the ability to use the senses and body parts to perform tasks smoothly efficiently and accurately *?Coordination: The ability to use the senses and body parts in order to perform motor tasks smoothly and accurately.
What is the ability integrate the senses with the muscles to produce accurate and smooth body movements?Coordination – It is the ability to integrate the sense with muscles so as to. produce accurate, smooth, and harmonious body movement.
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