Early Motor Development Flashcards
What is the importance of monitoring early motor behavior?
Link between motor development and cognitive function
How do infants move?
Newborns exhibit both spontaneous and reflexive movements
Spontaneous: Movements not caused by known external stimuli
Reflexive: stereotypical responses elicited by specific external stimuli
What is the theory behind spontaneous movement?
Original theory: no purpose
Current theory:
-building blocks
-similar to some voluntary movements
What were the four environmental constraints when testing spontaneous movement and results?
1) Total water condition (up to neck)
2) Semi-water (up to waist)
3) Vertical (out of water)
4) Supine (on back)
Spontaneous movement decreases with more resistance
What are reflexive movements?
occur quickly after onset of stimuli
involve a single muscle or specific group
persistence may indicate neurological problems
What is the purpose of reflexive movements?
Built in responses facilitate survival
Reflexes allow ‘dialogue’ with environment
Reflexive movements result in sensory consequences
Provide building blocks for future movements
Three type
1) Primitive
2) Postural
3) Locomotive
What is the assymetrical tonic neck?
Archer's Postition Primitive Start in supine Turn head to the side Same side arm and leg extend
What is the palmar grasp reflex
Primitive
Touch baby’s palm
hands closes tightly around
What is the plantar grasping reflex?
Primitive
Touch ball of foot
Toes contract around object
What is the symmetrical tonic neck reflex?
Start in quadruped (hands and knees) Two opposite positions 1) Extend head and neck Arms extend, legs flex (sit) 2) Flex head and neck Arms flex and legs extend (head on ground)
What is the moro reflex?
Start in supine Shake head (tap pillow) Response (2fold) 1) arms, legs, fingers extend 2) arms and legs flex
What is the babinski reflex?
stroke sole of foot (heel to toe)
Baby response: toes extend
Adult response: toes flex. If toes extend it is an indication of brain damage
What happens during later infancy?
Voluntary control of movements
Understanding of environment, objects in environment
Meaningful interactions with others
Postural reactions
When do postural reactions occur?
at 4 months
What are postural reactions?
Help infant automatically maintain posture in changing environment
Keep head upright: keeps air passage open
Postural reactions don’t disappear. incorporated into general repetoire
What is the labyrinthine righting reflex?
Infant supported
Tilt infant
head moves to stay upright
What is the parachute reflex?
Start in upright position
lower infant to ground (simulate falling)
Legs and arms extend
What is are locomotor reflexes?
Daily exercise of walking and placing reflexes in new borns lead to high rate of response by 8 wks
There is a critical period where walking response is transformed from a reflex to instrumental action
What is the stepping reflex?
Start upright
Place soles of feet on flat surface
legs move in walking pattern
What are motor milestones?
Fundamental motor skills
-building blocks
-Cumulative, sequential
Specific movements that lead to general actions
What are the time periods for milestones
2 months lift head 3months lift shoulders 5 months toll over, sit up unsupported 7 months get on hands and knees 8 months creep on hands and knees 9 months pulls to stand 10 months stand alone 12 months walk alone
