Early Motor Development

Question 1

With reference to prenatal movement development, motor behavior emerges as what?

Answer 1

Spontaneous movement (in the fetus)

Question 2

When does prenatal movement begin?

Answer 2

Begins as soon as primitive neural circuitry allows for activations (body parts and rudimentary muscles; 5-6 wks. post conception)

Question 3

Prenatal movements appear as what?

Answer 3

Whole body movements (startles; slow writhing)

Question 4

Limb movements appear when?

Answer 4

7-10 wks. post conception (aligns with development of limb buds)

Question 5

When do fetal arm movements emerge (directed towards objects in the uterus)?

Answer 5

12 wks.

Question 6

When do fetal hand to face movements begin (self-soothing)?

Answer 6

26 wks.

Question 7

When do whole body and limb movements peak?

Answer 7

12-16 wks. (decrease as uterine space becomes more limited)

Question 8

Due to decreases in the uterine space, how is movement changed?

Answer 8

Leads to finer muscle work (wiggling digits; facial movements; open and closing eyes)

Question 9

Give an example of how fetal movement/development serves as adaptations to life in the womb

Answer 9

Swallowing amniotic fluid (regulates water balance in utero; sucking reflex)

Question 10

Give an example of how fetal movement/development prepares the fetus for birth

Answer 10

Leg kicks (helps turn the fetus for head down presentation)

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of fetal movement/development?

Answer 11

To jumpstart a cascade of development (perceptual experiences - neural development; physical development of other body systems)

Question 12

What is the neonatal period?

Answer 12

First 28 days of life (3 wks.)

Question 13

What is the neonatal period characterized by?

Answer 13

Physiologic flexion (due to positioning in utero)
Movements are undirected and have no purpose

Question 14

What are the two categories of movement during the neonatal period?

Answer 14

Reflexive movements (w/ clear stimulus and predictable response)
Spontaneous movements (bursts; no clear reason)

Question 15

How are spontaneous movements in the neonate defined as?

Answer 15

Infant movements that occur w/out any apparent stimulation (random; repetitions of pattern; variability; lack of dissociation)

Question 16

What are some examples of spontaneous movements in the neonate?

Answer 16

Single leg kick
Two leg kick
Alternating kick
Finger flexion
Arm bang on surface

Question 17

True/False: Lack of dissociation (movement patterns) improves w/ development

Answer 17

True

Question 18

True/False: Lack of variable movement in neonates is a concern

Answer 18

True (potential developmental delay)

Question 19

What is the sequence when coordinating limbs?

Answer 19

Symmetrical
Asymmetrical
Reciprocal
Ipsilateral
Contralateral
Diagonal reciprocal

Question 20

Is supine kicking and walking random?

Answer 20

No (rhythmical; coordinated pattern among muscles and joints; similar in position and timing in adult walking step)

Question 21

How are infantile (primitive) reflexes defined?

Answer 21

An involuntary, stereotypical movement response to a specific stimulus (no thought; automatic)

Question 22

Should primitive reflexes only be seen during infancy?

Answer 22

Yes (should decrease over time)

Question 23

Do primitive reflexes occur under conscious control?

Answer 23

No

Question 24

When do primitive reflexes begin and how long do they generally persist?

Answer 24

Begins in last 4 mo. prenatal development
Persists through first 4 mo. postnatal

Question 25

True/False: Primitive reflexes are often specific and localized movements

Answer 25

True

Question 26

How are postural, attitudinal, and equilibrium reactions defined?

Answer 26

Reflexes that help the infant automatically maintain posture in changing environments (head positioning)

Question 27

When do postural, attitudinal, and equilibrium reactions begin and how long do they generally persist?

Answer 27

Begins around 2 mo. postnatal Persists until 2nd year of life

Question 28

Do postural, attitudinal, and equilibrium reactions completely disappear after age 2?

Answer 28

No (transition into adult like responses)

Question 29

How are locomotor reflexes defined?

Answer 29

Reflexes that simulate later developed voluntary movement patterns (essentially "moving in place")

Question 30

What are three locomotor-related reflexes?

Answer 30

Swimming Stepping Crawling

Question 31

True/False: Locomotor reflexes typically disappear months before the infant attempts voluntary locomotion

Answer 31

True

Question 32

What does the persistence of reflexes well beyond integration indicate?

Answer 32

Pathology

Question 33

Should reflexes disappear over time?

Answer 33

Yes (reflexes show less specific response/predictable behavior over time)

Question 34

How long does it take for an infant to learn to adapt their reflexes to modify movement outcome?

Answer 34

2 wks.

Question 35

Postural control is achieved through cooperation of what three systems?

Answer 35

Sensory Musculoskeletal Neuromuscular

Question 36

Describe the transition of early movement patterns in infants

Answer 36

Transition from early spontaneous and reflexive movements to complex, functional tasks (grasping; walking)

Question 37

Are new skills suddenly acquired w/out learning?

Answer 37

No (learned over time; various body parts display increased coordination)

Question 38

True/False: Fundamental skills must be attained for skilled performance of the next task

Answer 38

True

Question 39

How are fundamental skills attained?

Answer 39

Through practice and repetition