Wheelbarrow Walks are a fun physical activity for enhancing gross motor skills including bilateral coordination, motor planning, and upper body and core strength. It involves two participants: one person acts as the “wheelbarrow” and the other as the “driver” or “walker.”
This exercise centres on the use of bilateral coordination, where both hands work together, and it requires thoughtful motor planning to effectively navigate one’s body through space. It provides an opportunity to boost overall endurance and muscular strength in the wrists, arms, shoulders, and back. It can also be a great sensory activity, adding deep pressure to different joints e.g the elbows and shoulders.
This activity can be adapted and modified to support your child’s functional needs and goals. Such as having the support of a third person to support your child’s hips when experiencing limited core strength.