Paediatric Exercise Physiology
Helping children build strength, and movement skills through exercise.
At Little Bodies Therapy, our paediatric exercise physiologists help children move, play, and participate with confidence. Exercise physiology focuses on building strength, endurance, and movement coordination through structured, play-based physical activity — making fitness feel like fun, not work.
Our sessions are creative, supportive, and tailored to your child’s needs, helping them build lifelong confidence in their body’s abilities. We support families across the Perth metro area and regularly collaborate with local and regional therapy teams to ensure every child’s progress is consistent and holistic.
How Exercise Physiology helps
Building Strength and Confidence
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Building muscle strength and power to support everyday movement, posture, and independence.
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Improving stamina so children can keep up with school, play, and community activities.
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Developing coordinated skills like running, jumping, throwing, catching, and playground play.
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Supporting safe, confident movement such as walking, standing, crawling, and transitions.
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Helping children move more confidently and safely across different environments.
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Promoting healthy movement patterns and musculoskeletal development during growth.
Supporting Health and Inclusion
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Supporting early movement skills like rolling, crawling, standing, and early walking.
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Tailored programs for children with cerebral palsy, neuromuscular conditions, or physical disabilities.
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Helping children enjoy movement, build confidence, and feel included in physical activity.
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Supporting mood, focus, confidence, and emotional wellbeing through movement and exercise.
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Practical strategies and programs to support safe participation at home, school, and in the community.
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Incorporating walkers, tricycles, or adaptive equipment to promote independence and safety.
Core Methods
and Approaches
Our exercise physiologists combine evidence-informed methods with creativity, making movement feel natural, achievable, and fun. Sessions are always personalised, goal-based, and focused on functional participation.
Goal-based programming
Tailored exercises supporting each child’s physical and functional goals.
Playful movement sessions
Creative activities and obstacle courses to make exercise engaging.
Functional strength training
Using child-friendly equipment to build safe, age-appropriate strength.
Endurance and cardio games
Supporting stamina and heart health through active play.
Collaboration with physiotherapists and occupational therapists
Ensuring consistent care and a holistic approach.
What to Expect in Sessions
Exercise physiology sessions at Little Bodies Therapy are active, engaging, and adapted to each child’s goals.
Sessions may include structured exercises, balance or coordination games, developmental play, and the use of adapted equipment. We use equipment such as pilates reformers, therapy balls, steps, resistance bands, or walkers to make movement accessible and motivating.
Every program is personalised, goal-focused, and regularly reviewed, ensuring therapy continues to support your child’s functional participation, confidence, and independence.
FAQs
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Both support children’s movement, function, and participation, but with different approaches.
Physiotherapists focus on hands-on assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation for injuries or physical conditions.
Paediatric exercise physiologists specialise in improving strength, endurance, and confidence through structured exercise programs — ideal for children with developmental delays, chronic conditions, or reduced participation. Both work closely together to ensure children move, play, and thrive.
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We work with children aged 0–16 years, from early developmental support through to building fitness and participation skills in adolescence.
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Absolutely! Exercise physiology isn’t about competitive sport — it’s about fun, achievable movement in any or whatever form that builds confidence and skill. We use play-based activities and games so every child can enjoy moving at their own pace.
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Exercise helps children develop a positive relationship with their body, boosting mood, focus, and self-esteem. Our sessions encourage success through play and participation, helping reduce anxiety and build lifelong resilience.
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If your child struggles with stamina, movement confidence, or participation, exercise physiology can help. Give us a call or book an assessment to chat with our team about your child’s needs and goals.
Let’s get those little bodies moving!
Let’s help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence through play and movement. Book your first exercise physiology session today!
