Motor Development

Motor Development

1. Reflexes- these movements are automatic, involuntary reactions to various forms of external stimulation and some of these occur within the uterus and also the first visible movements of a newborn

   • Locomotor
   • Primitive
   • Postural

2. Development of voluntary movement

   • Reflexes gradually lose their dominance as voluntary control emerges. Most of these primitive reflexes are overidden by six months. The initial emergence of voluntary movement and lasting until two years of age is referred to as 'the rudimentary movement phase' or motor development
     • Appears in a highly predictable sequence
     • Includes movements such as gaining control of the head, neck and trunk muscles; manipulative postural movements (reaching/grasping) and basic locomotor movements (crawling/walking)
     • 6 months - 2 years

3. Refinement of Voluntary Movement

   • As children gain increased control of these movements, they can also control their interactions with the environment. From two years till six years the increased control emerges with the refinement of movement sequences with those such as walking, jumping and catching.
     • Two year olds have relatively poor spatial and temporal integration of movement resulting in a lack or coordination
       • By three to four years, they have greater control and begin to show signs of automaticity
         • Coordination develops fully in later childhood and into adolescence. Complex movement skills are mastered due to sensory/neurological maturation, environmental interaction and practice, and the development of high mental processes.
     • 2 years - 6 years