By: Stephanie Montana, MS, OTR/L

Bilateral coordination, also known as bilateral integration, is the ability to use both sides of the body at the same time in a fluid and coordinated manner to complete daily activities or tasks. There are three types of bilateral coordination: symmetrical movements, reciprocal movements, and dominant hand/supporting hand movements. Symmetrical movements include using either both hands or both legs at the same time, while reciprocal movements consist of using two extremities in an alternating motion. Dominant hand/supporting hand movements are when one hand or foot completes the task while the other one stabilizes. Children require bilateral coordination skills in activities and tasks including, but not limited to, catching a ball, swimming, walking up and down stairs, zippering a jacket, tying shoes, pulling up pants, cutting with scissors, and coloring. Without these skills, children may have difficulty engaging in age-appropriate activities or tasks, developing skills, and exploring their environment. If your child struggles to coordinate both sides of the body, consider the following five activities to encourage bilateral coordination:

  1. Play-doh: Using two hands to pull, squeeze, roll, or using a rolling pin to roll out Play-doh requires both hands to work together in a symmetrical movement. Some fun ideas when playing with Play-doh can include creating a pizza or cake, using cookie cutters, or rolling out a snake.
  2. Riding a Bike: Going for a bike ride on a nice day requires a child to pedal by using both their legs in a reciprocal pattern.
  3. Cat/Dog Soccer: Crawling requires coordination of both sides of the body in a reciprocal pattern. A fun way to incorporate crawling into a game is to play cat/dog soccer. First, set up goals on opposite sides of the room. Next, have your child crawl across the floor and hit a ball to try and score points against their opponent. For an extra challenge, change the activity into crab soccer by having your child crab walk across the floor and kick a ball with their feet.
  4. Arts and Crafts: During arts and crafts, one hand will draw, color, cut, or glue, while the other hand stabilizes or holds the paper.
  5. Keep It Up or Balloon Volleyball: Blow up a balloon and have your child tap the balloon with both hands or alternate between hands to keep the balloon up in the air. Your child will have to coordinate both their arms and legs to walk or run around the room and hit the balloon.