Speech and How it Relates to Muscle Control

Over the years, research has shown a connection between speech and voice production and gross motor development. Put simply: speech skills are linked to physical strength and hitting movement milestones! But how does that work? Let me break it down…

First, you need to understand two types of muscle contractions:

Concentric contraction: This happens when a muscle shortens as it works against resistance to build strength. Think about a bicep curl — your bicep shortens as you lift the weight.

Eccentric contraction: This is when a muscle lengthens while still producing force. Using the same bicep curl example, the eccentric part is when you slowly lower the weight back down — basically “putting on the brakes.”

Got that? Great! Now, why does this matter for speech and gross motor skills?

Well… voice production actually requires good eccentric muscle control. Your vocal cords need to control airflow precisely to make sounds. When you strengthen your arms, neck, and core muscles, you’re also helping stabilize the muscles involved in voice control.

That’s why you might notice new sounds or clearer speech from a child right after they hit a big motor milestone — like sitting up on their own!

Pretty cool, right? I always thought there was a connection, but seeing it happen firsthand in the clinic just makes it even more amazing!

Christine Astarita