Study Unit 2: Part 3 (HMSC 122) Phases of Motor Development

Phases of Motor Development

Overview

This study delves into the intricate phases and stages of motor development from birth through adulthood, illustrating how movement proficiency evolves over time and the significance of each phase in establishing foundational skills.

General Phases of Motor Development

1. Reflexive Movement Phase: Birth to 1 year

2. Rudimentary Movement Phase (First Movement Phase): 1 to 2 years

3. Fundamental Movement Phase: 2 to 6 years

4. Sport-Focused Skills: 6 years onwards

5. Specialized Phase: Beyond 14 years

Specific Phases of Motor Development

Reflexive Movement Phase

• Duration: Birth to 1 year

• Characteristics: Involuntary movements occur in response to specific stimuli, showcasing the infant's reflexes such as the rooting reflex and grasp reflex. These movements are critical as they lay the groundwork for later voluntary movement.

Rudimentary Movement Phase (First Movement Phase)

• Duration: 1 to 2 years

• Key Features:

  • Locomotor skills: Infant begins to crawl, walk, and eventually run, marking the first steps of mobility.

  • Manipulation: Development of reaching and grasping actions, allowing infants to interact with their environment.

  • Stability: Improvement in control of the head, neck, and trunk while sitting and standing; important for later activities.

Fundamental Movement Phase

• Duration: 2 to 6 years

• Description: A vital period where coordination improves. Children learn to balance, run, jump, throw, and catch, refining their basic movement skills relevant across various physical activities.

Transitional Phase

• Duration: 6 to 13 years

• Focus: This phase emphasizes the refinement of fundamental movement skills and signifies a transition towards more specialized activities. Children become more aware of their body movements and begin to link fundamental skills into more complex actions.

Specialized Phase

• Duration: 14 years and beyond

• Detail: Involves the integration of fundamental skills into sports-focused applications. This phase is critical for athletes who choose to specialize in particular sports, allowing for advanced skill development, tactical understanding, and execution.

Detailed Stages of Motor Development

1. Pre-Control Phase

   • Age: Utero to 4 months

   • Features: This early stage includes the initial development of motor responses that begin in the womb and continue postnatally.

2. Reflex Inhibition Phase

   • Age: 4 months to 1 year

   • Development: Infants start to gain intentional control over their movements, progressively inhibiting reflex actions and enhancing voluntary movement control.

3. Rudimentary Movement Phase

   • Age: 1 to 2 years

   • Description: The infant's gross and fine motor skills begin to develop, forming the base for subsequent phases.

   • Fine Motor Skills Development: This includes control over fine motor skills which start to take shape during this phase, characterized by:

     • Unrefined shoulder and elbow movements

     • Development of wrist movements and better coordination of thumb and index finger.

     • Enhancement of hand-eye coordination reflecting improvements in finer muscle skills.

Importance of Each Phase

The Reflexive Movement Phase and Rudimentary Phase are foundational, essential for building an individual's ability to acquire further advanced fundamental and specialized movement skills. Each subsequent phase relies on the skills developed previously, leading to enhanced athletic capabilities and overall movement proficiency as individuals progress through their developmental stages.