What is strength and endurance?In practical terms, muscle strength is how strong the child is and muscular endurance is how long the child’s muscles can work. Show In more specific terms: Muscular strength is the ability to exert force against resistance. Exerting force may or may not mean there is movement of the joints or body. It might be that you carry an object in front of you and you contract your biceps, but there is no movement as your arms are neither raising nor lowering. This is called an isometric contraction. When the muscles contract and there is movement at a joint, such as a bicep curl, this is called an isotonic contraction. Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to exert force repeatedly. Muscular endurance is similar to muscular strength in that strength is required to initiate movements, but it is the muscles endurance capacity that enables it to continue for multiple efforts. Why are strength and endurance important?Strength and endurance are important to enable children to perform every day functions such as fine motor skills (e.g. holding a pencil appropriately, cleaning teeth), gross motor skills (e.g. carrying heavy school bags, walking, running, skipping, playground skills such as climbing, and sporting skills such as catching, throwing and hitting a ball with a bat). Muscular endurance helps maintain proper posture all day long. Improving strength and endurance contributes to a higher metabolism, which increases caloric use both while at work and rest, which in turn reduces the risk of obesity. Another important benefit to note is that when a child has good strength, they are more likely to have stronger tendons, ligaments and general joint health which reduces the risk of serious injury. What are the building blocks necessary to develop strength and endurance?
How can I tell if my child has problems with strength and endurance?A child with problems with strength and endurance might:
When other difficulties might occur
when a child has difficulties with strength and endurance?When a child has difficulties with strength and endurance, they might also have difficulty with:
What can be done to improve strength and endurance?
What activities can help improve strength and endurance?
Why should I seek therapy if I notice difficulties with strength and endurance in my child?Therapeutic intervention to help develops the child’s strength and endurance difficulties is important to:
If left untreated what can difficulties with strength and endurance lead to?When children have difficulties with strength and endurance, they might also have difficulties with:
What type of therapy is recommended for strength and endurance difficulties?If your child has difficulties with strength and endurance, it is recommended they consult an Occupational Therapist. Other useful resourcesWhat is the ability to perform a maximum effort in the shortest possible period?Power- the ability to perform one maximum effort in a short period of time as possible.
Is the ability to perform a movement or cover a distance in a short period of time?Speed: The ability to perform a movement or cover a distance in a short period of time.
Is the ability to move from one point to another in the shortest possible time?Speed is the ability to get from one place to another in the shortest possible time. The combination of strength and speed is commonly referred to as power.
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