Theories of Motor Development

Theories of Motor Development

Objectives

  • Review and compare theories of motor development.

  • Apply theories of motor development to intervention.

Importance of Motor Development

  • Infants experience their environment primarily through movement.

  • Motor development is a straightforward system for detecting early developmental delays.

  • The first year of life exhibits rapid changes in motor development.

Overview of Major Theories

  1. Neuro-maturationist Theory

    • Main Concept: The nervous system is the primary driver of change in motor development.

  2. Cognitive Theory

    • Internal processes and external environment drive change.

    • Subcategories:

      • Behavioral: Based on operant conditioning principles from theorists like Skinner and Pavlov, emphasizing the stimulus-response interactions.

      • Piagetian: Development proceeds through stages involving reflexes and voluntary control, with periods of equilibrium and disequilibrium.

  3. Motor Learning Theory

    • Concept: Motor programs are modified through trial and error practice.

    • Stages of Learning:

      • Cognitive Stage: Understanding what to do.

      • Associative Stage: Refinement of skills.

      • Autonomous Stage: Skills become automatic.

    • Schemas: Initial motor commands lead to specific sensory consequences in movement.

  4. Dynamical Systems Theory

    • Concept: There is no single primary driver of development; it results from multiple interacting systems.

    • Development is nonlinear, influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Motor behavior emerges from the dynamic cooperation of several subsystems in a task-specific context.

    • The Central Nervous System (CNS) is necessary but not the only component.

Components of Dynamical Systems

  • Development arises from the interaction of multiple subsystems categorized into three main factors influencing movement output:

    1. Infant (Self): The characteristics and capabilities of the infant.

    2. Environment: External factors that impact motor development.

    3. Task: The specific demands of each motor activity.

Current Perspectives on Developmental Theories

  • There is no single correct theory; each offers insights but does not provide complete answers.

  • Contemporary views, particularly those from dynamic systems and the neural growth and structural transformation (NGST) approach, highlight the importance of integrated understanding.

  • It is crucial to recognize commonalities across different motor skill acquisition theories.

Practical Application of Theories

  • When translating these theories into practice, practitioners should:

    1. Define the theory and its components in their own words.

    2. Design interventions (e.g., sit-to-stand activity) informed by theoretical principles, detailing how the intervention will be implemented.

    3. Provide the rationale for chosen interventions based on relevant theories, ensuring that the theoretical framework guides the practical approach to treatment.