Step. Kick. Balance. Repeat. Sideways Hurdle Challenge | Pediatric PT #36

Sideways Hurdle & Side-Kick Challenge with Liam & Mila | Pediatric Physical Therapy 👋🏼 Hi there! I’m Amy Sturkey, a pediatric physical therapist, and today I’m working with my co-instructors Mila (almost 4) 👧🏼 and Liam (8½) 🧒🏼 on a sideways hurdle challenge designed to support dynamic balance, motor planning, and body awareness. In this session, we’ve set up four gently balanced hurdles using pool noodles resting lightly on top of cones. Because the hurdles are intentionally unstable, even small changes in movement — or a strong kick passing nearby — can cause a noodle to fall, providing immediate and meaningful feedback. We begin with Mila sidestepping sideways over the hurdles, focusing on keeping her toes facing forward rather than turning her body toward the obstacle. Next, Liam adds a side kick followed by a sideways step, increasing the coordination and control required. Mila then gives her best attempt at the side kick and step, applying what she’s just observed. Finally, Liam finishes the sequence by alternating lead sides, switching which leg kicks and which direction he travels as he side-kicks and steps over the hurdles. Sideways movement like this challenges balance in a very different way than forward walking — and makes for a fun, motivating problem to solve. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 — Intro & dynamic balance hurdle setup 0:09 — Meet Liam (8½) & Mila (almost 4) 0:22 — Sidestepping sideways over hurdles (Mila) 0:58 — Side kick over hurdle + sideways step (Liam) 1:14 — Mila attempts side kick + step 1:21 — Alternating side kicks & side-steps (Liam) 1:50 — Why sideways hurdles support dynamic balance 2:00 — Wrap-up & subscribe 🎯 Why Sideways Hurdle Activities Help Kids These activities help children: ⚖️ Improve dynamic balance during lateral movement 🧠 Strengthen motor planning and sequencing 👀 Maintain body orientation while moving sideways 🦶 Build hip strength and coordination 🔄 Learn from immediate feedback when a hurdle tips 💪🏼 Gain confidence with multi-step movement challenges Simple setup — powerful skill development. 🔧 Ways to Modify the Challenge To adjust difficulty, try: 👉🏽 Lower or wider hurdles 👉🏼 Increasing or decreasing spacing 👉🏾 Stepping only (no kicking) 👉🏻 Slower, more deliberate movement 👉🏿 Light hand support for beginners Always supervise closely and adjust based on a child’s abilities and safety needs. ❤️ 📺 Dynamic Balance Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAkJbMrHyKjOc8OXSWsjFHqZnzrB18w2P 🌐 Website www.pediatricPTexercises.com 📘 Facebook Pediatric Physical Therapy Exercises 📧 Contact amysturkey@gmail.com (For questions, kind words, or clarifications. I can’t provide specific treatment recommendations for a child I haven’t personally evaluated.) 🌎 Captions & Language Access I’ve reviewed and corrected the English captions for easier viewing. To turn on captions: click CC at the bottom right of the video. To watch in another language: 1️⃣ Click Settings (gear icon) 2️⃣ Select Subtitles/CC 3️⃣ Choose your language 4️⃣ Or use Auto-translate if needed 📚 My Books on Amazon “P is for Poop and Pee Accidents” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLSRJ483 “A is for Anxiety” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LXQ3W6V “A is for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QH9H5HR “C is for Cerebral Palsy” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088TSJCYP “D is for Down Syndrome” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P8HH49 “A is for Autism” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F4FFTB “Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Hips” https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156736 “Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Knees” https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156760 “Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Ankles” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TX2ZCFD