learning to walk

Question 1

developing synergies

Answer 1

• Muscle synergies reflect a common neural input to multiple muscles easing the control of complex motor tasks like locomotion –> controlled by CPGs
• When children develop walking skills, the number of muscle synergies that accompany the cyclic movement of the lower extremities increases
  • In neonates, two muscle synergies are present (number 2 and 4) resembling the reflexive stepping pattern seen at birth
  Pattern 2: provides (partial) body support during stance
  Pattern 4: drives the limb during swing
  • In toddlers two additional are present (number 1 and 3), i.e., a total of four synergies can be observed that persist to and during adulthood
  In toddlers, the new patterns (1 and 3) are active at touch-down and lift-off, providing shear forces to decelerate and accelerate the body

Question 2

myelination

Answer 2

• After neuronal precursors have proliferated, differentiated and migrated, myelination will occur
• Starts during fetal development through to adolescence (30 years)
• A process of protecting and insulating neurons to aid the transmission of impulses
• First occurs in the brainstem to support breathing and beating of heart then goes to M1 cortex

Question 3

stages of walking

Answer 3

1. Rolling over  4 month – 6 months
   • After babies develop sufficient strength in the neck, arms and back they will explore new motor behaviour
   • First they roll from stomach to their back  result from stronger arms (mini push up)
   • Then the roll from back to stomach will occur  more back involvement in which strength develops later
2. Crawling  34 weeks (7/8 months)
   • Starts around month 5 with the thrusting out of one knee forward beside the body
   • Followed by the other leg
   • Around this time the baby is able to support its own head fully
3. Sitting up  7/8 months
   • Sufficient head, neck and back strength has been build and the baby is able to sit up straight
   • At this time between 5 and 8 months after birth: the vestibular system fully matures (it is the first sense to be functional at 5 months pregnancy but is fully mature at 5 months after birth)  there fore the baby is able to keep better posture
4. Standing and walking  around 1 year
   • Around week 38 a baby is able to stand with support  sufficiently developed motor areas and muscles (and sensory organs) to use environment to get up
   • Week 62: unsupported standing
   • Week 64: walking unsupported