Exam 2: Early Motor Development Flashcards
Spontaneous behaviors
Movements that are not caused by know external stimuli
Reflexive behaviors
stereotypical responses evoked by specific external stimuli
What is the original theory about spontaneous movement?
It is extraneous and has no purpose
What is the current theory about spontaneous movement?
They are building blocks similar to some voluntary movements
How does a spontaneous leg kick resemble the adult walking pattern?
Kicking and adult walking are both coordinated patterns.
What is it? Give an example
Infantile reflex
Reflexive movements that occur after the onset of stimuli.
Ex. Palmar grasp reflex: Touch palm with finger or object and their hand will close tightly around finger or object.
What is the purpose?
Reflexes
- Facilitate survival
- Allow dialogue with environment
- Result in adaptations
- Provide building blocks for future movement
Why are they important for the educator to understand?
Reflexes
Because they help us see abnormal development.
What are they and why are they important in development?
Postural reactions
- They help to maintain posture in changing environment.
- Start off similar to reflexes and then incorporated into the general repertoire.
Why is it important to know and understand these?
Fundamental motor milestones
Trained professionals can screen for the potential for future diseases or disorders by looking for delays.
What is the general progression of these?
Fundamental motor milestones
Starts with lifting head, goes to hands and knees, continues and finishes with walking alone.
What is this? Give an example from the later infancy period.
Rate limiter
Individual constraints that inhibit or slow attainment of a motor skill.
Ex. Strength to move oneself
What is the connection between these two?
Sensory and motor responses
Rate limiters for posture and balance involve coupling of sensory information and motor responses.
Infants continuously calibrate sensory & motor responses.
