Factors Affecting Motor Development

Factors within the Individual

General Motor Development



1. Cephalocaudal 2. Proximodistal 3. Differentiation 4. Integration *Reverses with age Phylogeny and Ontogeny

Developmental direction (Gesell, 1954)

Phylogeny - (Motor Development)

 

Phylogeny

Maturation Sequence

 

Phylogenetic skills Environment?

Ontogeny
 Ontogeny

- (Motor Learning) skills

 Ontogenetic

 Environment?

Factors within the Environment

Effects of Early Stimulation and Deprivation

Movement Implications

What are some reasons for the rush to stimulate?

   

Age of Parents Work Competition Knowledges

Good or Bad?  Head Start Programs

  

Stimulation

Infant Walkers Bolsters and other supports New Research: Windows of Opportunity

Stimulation
New ideas on early brain development:
 

Neuronal Development and wiring (synapses) Main circuitry pre-wired prenatally (heredity)  Complete architecture of the brain (experience)  Experience strengthens synapses  Stimulation from environment = connections  Weak or unmade connections - pruned away

Stimulation: Best Practices

  

Good or Bad? AAP Suggestions Professor Suggestions

Stimulation: Suggestions
   

Early in life (windows of opportunity) Cooperative efforts Basic gross motor activities (before 2) Sensory-motor experiences

Effects of Early Deprivation



Type, length, time, and severity Examples Hopi Indian cradleboard The Orphanage Anna (Nell) Young Savage of Abeyron

   

Deprivation / Vicarious Living

Deprivation: Issues  Cognitive, Social and Motor Vicarious Living: Issues  Pressure from parents  Extinguishing behaviors

Concepts Related to Early Stimulation / Deprivation

  

1. Critical Periods 2. Readiness 3. Catch-up

Four Elements of Critical Periods

   

1. Readiness 2. Time Limits 3. Enduring Behaviors 4. Domains of Development

Readiness
  

Minimum Characteristics Appropriate Stimuli How do we know when a child is ready to learn a new skill?

Catch-up
 

Return Recovery dependent: severity, length, and time of deprivation Examples: Anna / Harlows Monkeys

Characteristics of a good Motor-Development Program

Positive and fun  Opportunity to learn  Current level of performance  Child-oriented  Varied environment  Pressure free  Follow Professorial Guidelines*