theories of motor development

[gcoe]

Sorry Bobby Nabeyama

I am definitely not a paediatric physio but with my neurological background I am particularly interested in the advancement of science of motor control. For me the integration of the newer models of motor control and motor learning into practice is very fruitful and I think it is a pity that physios from all stripes don't take more seriously these valuable sources of applied science. I think Shumawaycook and Wollacott's book for a general overview is one of the best books we have. In my institution we use it as our student's text and it gives me great confidence in our teaching for all aspects of neurological physiotherapy and beyond. Years ago I met Esther Thelan and for me it changed my life and invigorated my interest in neurological physiotherapy. It opened me mind to how limited our knowledge is of how human movement develops and changes over time and in illness and disability. However I am afraid I am way too divorced from the realities of paediatric practice to contribute to your discussions in a meaningful way.

I must say the Esthederu does a stirling job of representing the paediatric physio front on this site. There are many requests with paediatric issues on this site from the public - often requests come from parents who are quite desperate for finding a way forward and her responses are always well informed, thoughtful, courteous and empathetic. I think PhysioForum has been very fortunate to have her professional involvement and dedication.

It does seem a pity that more paediatric physios don't participate on this site. It would be good to have some "consciousness raising" amongst paediatric physios about the site.

[estherderu]

dear gcoe,

Thanks you so much for the compliment!
I consider myself very lucky to be able te do this. I have the time, the place and the possibility and I love my profession.

And you are doing a very good job yourself as well!
I especially love the way you can explain neurology in a clear, concise and simple manner.

dear bobby,
I have been influenced by prof. Mijna Hadders Algra yes. Have met her on numerous occasions. She once wrote a book for paediatric physio´s in Dutch called infant motor development (2000) and for me this was the eyeopener. Finally a scientific (neurological) explanation for and of the phenomena I had seen so often. This book is a little outdated now but at the time it was the first book "intermingling" theory,anatomy and physiology and practice. A scientist who could explain part of what we were seeing.....wow....

She is still very involved in academic work with many professionals including paediatric physiotherapists at the University of Groningen.
Ontwikkelingsneurologie|Developmental Neurology


esther

[PamVersfeld]

I would like to add my appreciation of Esther's balanced and insightful responses to posts on this site.

I recently attended a 2 day course where prof Hadders-Algra presented her research - very interesting. Her thinking is very influenced by her own research with all it biases - one of these being that she is a neurologist and has a deficit view of any developmental anomaly. She also very easily puts down Esther Thelen's dynamic systems approach to the understanding of development which in fact has been a great influence on the thinking of many other researchers including physical therapists such as Beverley Ulrich and Cole Galloway. Karen Adolph's work is also an inspiration, as is that of Claus von Hofsten.
See An action perspective on motor development and control - bibliography | skillsforaction.com

Like Gcoe my own thinking has been deeply influenced by Esther Thelen's work, and those who have followed her and this influence threads through all my opinions freely expressed at About skillsforaction.com | skillsforaction.com!


Pam

[estherderu]

Dear Pam,

Your reaction is very kind and has certainly given me something to think about.

I participated in a workshop by Karen Adolphs about two years ago and was very much impressed. Have passed her name and website on to others and on this forum. I think her work is fascinating, she has publised so much and shows us how much children can do.

I see I have some catching up to do....
I am not that familiar with the other colleagues you mentioned.

I do feel that when I am reading all the information placed on your skillsforaction website, that we have a lot in common.
It has always fascinated me how well children are able to communicate their needs, solve problems if they get a chance and how difficult it is for us adults to see this. I loved the book called The aware baby by Aleta Solter. This book and her lectures made me change the way I looked and handled babies and small children.

It seems I will have to take some time off to start reading again.
Can you give me some more references and possibly websites please?

Thanking you in advance

Esther

[PamVersfeld]

Dear Esther

Perhaps a good place to start is to take a look at what is involved in learning a new motor skill. Daniel Wolpert's article "Motor learning" gives a good introduction to the most up to date conception of motor learning and control, and especially ideas related to internal models and feed-forward control. http://cbl.eng.cam.ac.uk/pub/Public/...s/WolFla10.pdf

The most up to date models of movement control take into account what is happening in the body as the trunk and limbs move and generate reactive forces that need to be counteracted, as well as the impact of the forces generated as the body makes contact with the environment.

The other important aspect of motor control is the importance of predicting what happens next, and anticipatory control to counteract events that are predicted in the future.

Enjoy the reading

Pam

[illuminatidinesh]

Hi Everyone,
Pam I read ur PDF it is interesting and thanks. Ester, it is surprising and heartening that some one from Peadiatric Physical therapy is here to help and guide us......
I have a doubt which is the latest accepted motor control theory?

[estherderu]

dear Illuminatidinesh,

I cannot speak for everyone. There are a number of hypothesis (models) on motor control and motor development circulating world wide. The ones named in this discussion are the ones I know of.
I know nothing about what the ideas and thoughts on this subject are from Russian, Japanese, South American and Chinese colleagues for example. It is very possible they also have a number of "models" we know nothing about.

I hope colleagues from these countries are willing to share their insights with us.

Esther