Developmental Norms:

By age 2:

- Walk/run with ease,

- Jumps in place off the ground with both feet.

- Attempts to kick/catch a ball

By age 3:

- Walk up/down stairs

- Step over step without support

- Can throw/catch a small ball

By age 4:

- Begin skipping

- Able to hop on one foot

- Jump over objects and leans with both feet

By age 5:

- Walk backwards toe to heal

- Hang from a bar for at least 5 seconds

By age 6:

- Skilled at rope skipping and hopscotch

- Swims well

- Ride two wheel bike

By age 7:

- Displays a mature pattern of jumping, throwing, catching and kicking

Physical Therapists assess and treat skills for mobility and gross motor function.  Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan to promote the ability to move, restore function, prevent disability, and improve developmental activities. Gross motor skills are those which require whole body movement and involve the large core muscles of the body to perform everyday functions, such as standing, walking, running, and sitting upright.  It also includes eye-hand coordination skills such as ball skills (throwing, catching, and kicking). Common treatment and diagnosis include Cerebral Palsy, Torticollis, Spina Bifida, Down Syndrome, and developmental delay.