motor development 2

what does the emergence of locomotion depend on

mechanics and structure, neurological factors, cognition, perception

mechanics and structure

forces on the bone and epiphyseal plate, Wolff’s law, positioning as development progresses

Wolff’s law

natural bone adapts and changes based on load

longitudinal loading

intermittent compression to longitudinal growth

shear forces

parallel to the plate, torsion/twisting on the bone

typical positioning and ROM

changes with development, newborns have hip/knee flexion and excessive DF PROM

what physiological changes occur with ageing

decreased hip ER, longitudinal arch development

strength importance

not limiting factors but needed, balance crucial

proximal strength important in children that skip expected stages

neurological factors

descending and ascending pathways meet environmental demands and requirements of tasks

at 3-10 months major development and myelination may contribute to neural organization of locomotion tasks

cognition

understanding, motivation, relationship between cognition and physical development

perception

interaction with environment, sensory factors

requirements for balance

ROM, postural control, motivation, intention, cognition

how do we observe balance

sway, reaction to perturbations or dynamic tasks, falls

strength requirements for stability

head control, sitting balance, static standing, single leg balance

strength requirements for dynamic movements

reaching in supine, feet to mouth, reach across body, pull to stand, walking, jumping

strength measuring in infants

observation

strength measure in younger children

observation, standardizes assessment, resisted movements, make it a game

strength measure in school age children

observation, MMT, dynamometry

flexor withdrawal reflex

onset at birth, integrates at 2 months

crossed extension reflex

onset at birth, integration at 2 months

palmar grasp reflex

integration at 5 months

plantar grasp reflex

integration at 9 months

traction reflex

integration at 4 months

moro reflex

integration decreases by 3 months and then reintegrates at 6 months

galant reflex

integrates prior to 12 months

positive stepping reflex

integration at 2 months

positive support reflex

integration at 6 months

tonic labyrinthine reflex

integration at 6 months

asymmetric tonic neck reflex

integration at 5-6 months

symmetric tonic neck reflex

onset at 6 months, integration at 8-12 months

righting reactions

head, neck, and body righting