KNSS 307( Early Motor Development
Spontaneous
movements not caused by known
external stimuli
reflexive
stereotypical responses elicited by specific external stimuli (Clark, 1995)
spontaneous movements
Original theory: extraneous, no purpose
Current theory: building blocks, similar to some voluntary movements
Examples
Spontaneous arm movements (resemble reaching)
Spontaneous kicking (resembles adult walking)
infantile reflexes
- Reflexive movements occur quickly after onset of stimuli.
- They involve a single muscle or a specific group of muscles (not whole body).
- Persistence past normal age may indicate neurological problems.
purposes of reflexes
- Built-in responses facilitate survival.
- Reflexes allow “dialogue” with environment.
- Reflexive movements result in sensory consequences
(adaptation).
- Reflexes provide building blocks for future movement.
asymmetrical tonic neck reflex
Infant starts in supine position.
Stimulus: Turn head to one side.
Response: Same-side arm and leg extend.
palmar grasp relex
Stimulus: Touch palm with finger or object.
Response: Hand closes tightly around finger or object.
symmetrical tonic neck reflex
Infant starts in supported sitting position.
Stimulus: Extend head and neck or flex head and neck.
Response: Arms extend and legs flex, or arms flex and legs
extend.
moro reflex
Infant starts in supine position.
Stimulus: Shake head (e.g., by tapping pillow).
Response: Arms, legs, and fingers extend; then arms and legs flex.
labyrinthine righting reflex
Infant is supported upright.
Stimulus: Tilt infant.
Response: Head moves to stay upright.
stepping reflex
Stimulus: Place soles of feet on flat surface.
Response: Legs move in walking pattern.
later infancy
Voluntary control of movements
Understanding of environment, objects in environment
Meaningful interactions with others
Postural reactions
postural reaction
Postural reactions begin around 4 months.
They help maintain posture in a changing
environment.
Initially they are similar to reflexes, then they are
incorporated into the general repertoire.
derotative righting
Infant starts in supine position.
Stimulus: Turn head to one side, or turn legs and pelvis to other
side.
Response: Body follows head in rotation, or trunk and head follow
in rotation.
parachute
Infant is held upright.
Stimulus: Lower infant toward ground rapidly.
Response: Legs and arms extend.
Motor milestones
Fundamental motor skills
Building blocks (leading to complex motor skills)
Cumulative, sequential
Specific movements that lead to general actions
rate limiters or controllers
Rate limiters are individual constraints that inhibit or
slow attainment of a motor skill.
They rapidly change during early childhood.