Interpretation of the Course of Motor Development Revisited – the Newborn Period and Holokinetic Stage

Overview

The article offers an alternative explanation of the course of motor development of the child, based on the basic biomechanical principles and, especially, learning in different forms and at different levels. It makes it different from the prevailing opinion that the development is given by releasing (maturation) of inherited (genetically determined) motor patterns. The main biomechanical factors are considered here to be the provision of posture against the acting gravitational force and the Bernstein principle of restriction and releasing of DOF. In accordance with that the reactions of the child during the postural tests are described as a reulsts of combination of four main factors: 1) gradually improving ability of controlled strengthening of the body, 2) disappearing of Moro reflex, 3) easing newborn’s flexion hypertonia and 4) the action of the gravitational force. In view of the extent the problem is divided in two independent parts. This first part includes intrauterine development, newborn period and the holokinetic stage of the suckling period.

Key words:
motor pattern, postural reactions, DOF, posture