Prone positioning, or lying on the stomach, is an important foundation for developing strength and stability that children need for everyday tasks. Activities completed in this position can help strengthen the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and core, which are essential for maintaining good posture and supporting fine motor development.
In addition to building strength, prone positioning also provides important sensory input. This input helps improve body awareness and can support attention and focus during learning activities.
What is prone extension?
Prone extension, often referred to as the “superman pose,” occurs when a child lies on their stomach and lifts their arms and legs off of the ground. This position requires coordination between the sensory and motor systems, as the child must engage multiple muscle groups while maintaining body awareness.
Prone extension activities are especially useful for developing:
- Core strength
- Postural control
- Endurance
- Body awareness
- Sensory processing skills
Signs your child may have difficulty in prone
Some children may find prone positioning challenging. You might notice:
- Difficulty keeping their head upright, often resting on their forearms
- Frequent squirming or fidgeting while on their stomach
- Quickly transitioning out of the position (rolling to the side or sitting up)
- Signs of fatigue or frustration during prone activities
How can occupational therapy help?
Evaluation:
- Assess your child’s strength, posture, and endurance
- Observe how your child participates in play and school activities
Intervention:
- Provide activities to improve core strength and postural control
- Incorporate prone play into daily activities
- Modify tasks to support success and engagement
Prone activities to try at home or with your OT
- Puzzles while lying on the stomach
- Reaching for toys or objects
- Scooter board activities
- Reading a book while lying on their stomach
Building strength through prone positioning helps support your child’s ability to learn, play, and participate in everyday activities.
