What are cross-lateral movements?

A cross-lateral movement is any motion that requires coordinating movement on both sides of the body. When the movement crosses from one side of the body to the other, it is called crossing the midline.

What do cross-lateral exercises do?

Cross-lateral movements, like a baby’s crawling, activate both hemispheres [of the brain] in a balanced way. These activities work both sides of the body evenly and involve coordinated movements of both eyes, both ears, both hands and both feet as well as balanced core muscles.

Why is cross-lateral movement important?

Alternating actions on either side of the body, known as cross-lateral movements, encourage connections between the two hemispheres of the brain and help the limbs, eyes and ears to work together across the body.

What is cross crawling?

Cross crawl refers to movements in which we use opposition such as crawling, walking, running, and swimming. Therapeutically, cross crawl refers to any intentional cross-lateral activity in which you cross the mid-line of the body, such as touching opposite hand and knee or foot.

Why are cross lateral movements important for babies?

A baby’s cross lateral movements work both sides of the body evenly and involve coordinated movements of the eyes, ears, hands, feet, and core muscles. This helps support cognitive function, problem solving, and ease of learning.

Why are cross lateral exercises good for the brain?

Cross lateral exercises stimulate brain function and learning. Imagine a line running from the top of your body to the bottom — dividing you in half – any movement that crosses over this invisible midline fires up the brain.

How does lateral movement activate both hemispheres of the brain?

Carla Hannaford explains: “Cross lateral movements, like a baby’s crawling, activate both hemispheres in a balanced way. These activities work both sides of the body evenly…Because both hemispheres and all four lobes are activated, cognitive function is heightened and ease of learning increases.” [3] 2.

How does crossing the midline help your brain?

Crossing the midline exercises are often used in pediatric therapy to help kids with learning disabilities. Anytime the left and right side of our bodies work simultaneously or one side of our body crosses the midline over to the other side, the brain is compelled to send signals back and forth from one side to the other.