Unit 2 Study Guidance – Development & Postural Control Through the Lifespan

What is the cephalocaudal pattern in motor development?

Motor control develops from head to toe.

What is an example of the cephalocaudal pattern in infants?

Infants gain head control before trunk and lower extremity control.

What does proximal to distal control refer to?

Motor strength and control progress from proximal segments to distal extremities.

What is an example of proximal to distal control in infants?

Control of shoulders and hips develops before hands and feet.

Which type of motor skills develop before fine motor skills?

Gross motor skills develop prior to refined motions.

What is an example of gross motor skills in infants?

Babies wave or reach before they can grasp or manipulate small objects.

How do reflexive movements evolve as infants develop?

Early automatic reflexes are replaced by voluntary control with brain maturation.

What is an example of reflexive to volitional movement progression?

Spontaneous limb flailing evolves into intentional reaching and grasping.

What does limited to complex degrees of freedom (DOF) mean in motor control?

Infants start with stiff, limited movements and progress to fluid, multi-joint coordination.

What is an example of movement progression from limited to complex DOF?

A newborn’s stiff limb motions transition into coordinated crawling and walking.

What are the three planes of movement progression?

Sagittal, Frontal, and Transverse planes.

What occurs in the sagittal plane of movement?

Flexion and extension, such as lifting the head or rolling.

What type of movements occur in the frontal plane?

Lateral flexion and side bending, like reaching sideways while sitting.

What is demonstrated in the transverse plane of movement?

Rotational components, such as trunk rotation in crawling and walking.

What happens to movement control as children grow?

It expands from simple linear motions to complex, multi-planar tasks.

What are the key developmental milestones for infants aged 0-3 months?

Physiological flexion, developing head control, early prone extension.

What developmental milestones occur for infants aged 4-6 months?

Rolling, midline hand play, sitting with support.

What skills do infants typically demonstrate at 6-9 months?

Independent sitting, reaching for toys, pushing onto hands and knees.

At what age do infants usually begin independent walking?

By 12-18 months.

What are key concepts surrounding development in the first year?

Rapid motor learning, muscle strengthening, integration of primitive reflexes.

What developmental traits characterize a child in their second year?

Refinement of walking, climbing stairs, and advancements in running and jumping.

What key concepts are present in the second year of development?

Increasing strength, coordination, and environmental exploration.

What gross motor skills occur in children aged 3-5 years?

Refined running, jumping, climbing, kicking, catching, and throwing.

What is an example of a new movement pattern that emerges in years 3-5?

Galloping and skipping.

What do postural reactions help maintain?

Upright posture and balance against gravity.

At what age do postural reactions begin to develop?

Around 2-3 months.

What are righting reactions?

Automatic responses that keep the head and body oriented to midline and upright.

What is an example of optical righting?

Using visual input to realign the head to vertical when tilted.

What are equilibrium reactions aimed at maintaining?

Balance when the center of mass shifts due to displacement.

What is a protective reaction?

Automatic limb extensions to prevent injury when balance is lost.

What defines postural control?

The ability to maintain stability and orientation of the body relative to gravity.

What is meant by steady-state balance?

Maintaining the center of mass within the base of support during stillness.

What muscles are primarily involved in steady-state balance?

Erector spinae, abdominals, TFL, gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior.

What is anticipatory balance control?

Preparatory muscle activation prior to expected movement challenges.

What is an example of anticipatory balance control?

Tightening core muscles before lifting a box.

How does reactive balance control function?

It responds to unexpected external disturbances that displace the center of mass.

What is the ankle strategy used for?

For small, slow perturbations on firm surfaces.

Which strategy involves hip flexors and extensors?

Hip strategy, used for larger or faster perturbations.

What happens during the stepping strategy for balance control?

A step or reach is taken to restore stability and prevent falling.

What is adaptive balance control?

Modifying balance strategies to meet changing tasks or environments.

How do experience and environmental variability affect stability?

They enhance postural control and motor learning.

What is a role of physical therapists based on postural control principles?

To design interventions addressing balance strategies and educate families.

What might indicate neurological impairment during development?

Persistence of primitive reflexes beyond the expected age.

What is the role of protective reactions in infants?

To prevent injury by extending limbs when balance is lost.

What does the term 'central set' refer to in balance control?

Preparatory muscle activation prior to a movement challenge.

How do primitive reflexes contribute to infant development?

They promote survival and early developmental movements.

What could be a possible intervention for balance dysfunction in older adults?

Implementing fall prevention and balance training.

What happens to postural control systems as a child develops?

They integrate sensory, motor, and cognitive functions for stability.

What is the importance of integration of higher brain centers?

It allows primitive reflexes to be replaced by intentional movement.

What is an example of an infantile reflex?

Rooting reflex, where stroking the cheek causes the infant to turn toward the stimulus.

What is included in reactive balance control?

Feedback responses triggered after unexpected disturbances occur.

What are the goals of interventions designed by PTs relating to postural control?

To enhance development and balance in infants and older adults.

What role do proprioceptive inputs have in body-on-head righting reactions?

They help orient the head in space when the body is in motion.

How do infants demonstrate their ability to maintain balance?

Through the integration of righting and equilibrium reactions.

Why is it important for primitive reflexes to integrate?

To allow voluntary, purposeful movements as the child matures.

What is characteristic of the body's response during equilibrium reactions?

The body moves opposite the direction of the force to maintain balance.

What are two examples of environmental factors that influence balance control in children?

Walking on sand and navigating uneven terrain.

What is the relationship between motor skill refinement and child exploration?

Increased refinement of motor skills supports better environmental exploration.

How does postural control develop over time?

It becomes more complex as the child grows and develops new movement patterns.

How do reflexes like the rooting reflex demonstrate early development?

They aid in essential functions such as feeding.

What are primitive reflexes an indicator of?

The maturity and functioning of the neurological system.

What is the purpose of the semi-static balance during steady-state?

To maintain the center of mass within the base of support.

What do creeping and cruising skills indicate in infants?

They exhibit increasing motor strength and coordination.

What can result from delays in reaching developmental milestones?

Potential developmental or neurological concerns.

Why might postural reactions be assessed in infants?

To determine the normality of their motor development.

What does the ability to adjust balance strategies reflect?

The adaptability and learning capacity of the postural control system.

How do postural reactions evolve with increasing mobility?

They become more integrated and sophisticated in response to new challenges.

What is a key marker of balance development in early childhood?

Successful navigation of both stable and unstable surfaces.

What skills typically emerge during the second year of development?

Running, climbing, and exhibiting improved coordination.

What is a major goal of early childhood physical activities?

To support the development of fine and gross motor skills.

How is jumping skill development signified in early childhood?

From stationary jumping to jumping over distances.

What is a common characteristic of gross motor skill development from early to late childhood?

Increased strength and fluidity of movement patterns.

In what way do postural reactions contribute to safety in infants?

They help infants maintain upright positions as they explore their environment.

What aspect of development is highlighted by creeping before walking?

The development of proximal to distal control.

What does the concept of multi-joint coordination involve?

The ability to move different body parts together fluidly.

How does experience with different surfaces affect balance strategies?

It helps develop adaptive control mechanisms in the child.

What is an example of a task that can enhance postural control in older adults?

Balance training exercises like tai chi.

What can prolonged persistence of reflexive behaviors indicate?

Possible developmental issues requiring further assessment.

In terms of postural control, why is sensory integration crucial?

It provides the necessary feedback for maintaining balance and orientation.

Why is the understanding of developmental milestones essential for clinicians?

To monitor progress and identify delays in motor development.

What is often a critical focus in pediatric therapy related to motor skill enhancement?

Creating opportunities for active play and exploration.

How does a child's environment influence their gross motor development?

Diverse environments promote greater opportunities for movement and skill acquisition.

Why are jumping and climbing significant for toddlers?

They enhance physical strength and coordination.

What does adaptive balance control involve?

Adjusting strategies based on the task and environmental challenges.

What is the role of voluntary control in postural movements?

To replace automatic reflexive movements with intentional actions.

How do combatting balance disruptions play a role in child development?

They engage the child's learning and adaptation in motor skills.

What is a common intervention strategy for addressing balance issues?

Practicing functional tasks that challenge stability.

Why are righting reactions particularly important as a child grows?

They help maintain orientation and facilitate more complex movements.