Reflexive and Rudimentary Movements - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the stages of reflexive/rudimentary development, primitive vs postural reflexes, reflex-to-movement mappings, and rudimentary movement classifications.

Encoding stage

Part of the reflexive phase; the stage where stimuli are encoded by the nervous system to guide reflex responses.

Neuromaturational theory

A theory proposing motor development follows a fixed sequence driven by CNS maturation.

Inhibition stage

A stage in which reflexes are inhibited to allow the emergence of voluntary movement.

Decoding stage

A stage in which reflex responses are integrated or interpreted to support rudimentary movement.

Dynamic systems theory

A theory that motor development arises from the interaction of multiple subsystems (body, environment, task) rather than from maturation alone.

Precontrol stage

Early rudimentary stage preceding more refined voluntary control.

Info-gathering stage

Rudimentary phase emphasizing gathering sensory information to guide movement.

Info-processing stage

Rudimentary phase involving processing of sensory information to plan action.

Involuntary control

Control by reflex pathways; automatic, nonvolitional movements.

Voluntary control

Emergence of conscious, intentional motor control during development.

Moro reflex

Primitive reflex: sudden arm extension and finger spreading in response to a brief/ abrupt stimulus.

Pull-up reflex

Primitive reflex: when upright and tipped backward, the arms flex to help maintain posture.

Labyrinthine righting reflex

Postural reflex: head-righting response to maintain an upright head position when the body is tilted.

Startle reflex

Primitive reflex: a sudden response to a loud or surprising stimulus, typically involving quick limb movement.

Searching reflex

Primitive reflex: head turns toward stimulation around the mouth.

Palmer grasp reflex

Primitive reflex: when the palm is stimulated, fingers close around the object; thumb not used.

Sucking reflex

Primitive reflex: stimulation of lips, gums, tongue, or hard palate triggers sucking movements.

Parachute and propping reflex

Postural reflex: protective extension of the arms when tipped forward or toward the ground.

Babinski reflex

Primitive reflex: stimulation of the sole causes toe extension (often with dorsiflexion of the big toe in infants).

Neck righting reflex

Postural reflex: when the head is turned, the body follows so that the head remains aligned.

Crawling reflex

Primitive reflex: in prone position, rhythmical extensor and flexor movements of arms and legs.

Stepping reflex

Primitive reflex: in an upright position, holding the infant causes alternating stepping movements.

Plantar grasp reflex

Primitive reflex: pressure on the sole causes toes to curl.

Swimming reflex

Primitive reflex: in prone position, the infant makes coordinated arm and leg motions as if swimming.

Tonic neck reflex

Primitive reflex: asymmetrical neck turning produces a fencing posture with corresponding arm and leg extension on that side.

Body righting reflex

Postural reflex: when the body is turned to one side, the head and body move in a coordinated way to stay aligned.

Control of the head

Stability: maintaining head control as part of early postural development.

Upright gait movement

Locomotor: the development of walking or stepping-like movement.

Standing

Stability: maintaining an upright, stationary posture.

Reaching

Manipulative: arm and hand movements aimed at contacting or grasping objects.

Control of the neck

Stability: maintaining neck position and alignment during movement.

Creeping

Locomotor: moving the body forward on hands and knees.

Crawling

Locomotor: moving by using arms and legs, typically on hands and knees or belly.

Control of the trunk

Stability: maintaining torso alignment and posture.

Sitting

Stability: maintaining a seated position with control of trunk and pelvis.

Releasing

Manipulative: letting go of objects or releasing them in a controlled way.

Grasping

Manipulative: taking hold of objects with the hands, involving finger closure and hand coordination.