Motor Development Theories + Principles of Motor Development

Neural-Maturationist Theory

Founder: Gesell


- functional behaviors appear as NERVOUS SYSTEM MATURES
- hierarchic maturation of neural structures
- not long term

who is the founder of the neural-maturationist theory

gesell

what does the neural-maturationist theory state

functional behaviors appear as nervous system matures

what does the neural-maturationist theory consist of

hierarchic maturation of neural structures (reflexes integrating)

2 cognitive theories

behavioral
piagetian

Behavioral Cognitive Theory

Founder: Skinner

- reinforcement from environment as the motivator of motor/cognitive development
- emphasized: breaking skills into component parts

who is the founder of the behavioral cognitive theory

skinner

what does the behavioral cognitive theory state

reinforcement from environment as the motivator of motor/cognitive development

what is emphasized in the behavioral cognitive theory

breaking skills into component parts

Piagetian Cognitive Theory

Founder: Piagetian

- Emphasizes: interaction b/w maturation of cognitive-neural structures + environmental opportunities
- Inclusion of: problem-solving activities in treatment

who is the founder of the piagetian cognitive theory

piagetian

what does the piagetian cognitive theory emphasize

interaction b/w maturation of cognitive-neural structures + environmental opportunities

what does the piagetian cognitive theory include

inclusion of problem-solving activities in treatment

Dynamical Systems Theory

Founder: Thelen
MOST CURRENT THEORY

- motor pattern depends on a combination of mechanical, neurological, cognitive + perceptual factors and environment

who is the founder of the dynamical systems theory

thelen

what does the dynamical systems theory state

motor pattern depends on a combination of mechanical, neurological, cognitive + perceptual factors + the environment

what is the most current motor development theory

dynamical systems theory

gross to fine motor development principle

Principle States: big movements before little movements
- raise arm before writing

proximal to distal motor development principle

Principle States: proximal before distal
- trunk + head control before arm control
- closer joints before farther joints

cephalocaudal motor development principle

Principle States: head to toe
- head control before standing/walking

automatic to voluntary motor development principle

Principle States: reflexes integrated as nervous system develops
- born with reflexes > voluntary movements

stability vs mobility motor development principle

Principle States: must be able to control body before movement progression
- stable base before able to move

symmetrical vs asymmetrical motor development principle

Principle States: can't separate movement of limbs at first (with exception of head)
- early movements of arms + legs at same time + head moves asymmetrical