Dynamical Systems Approach Motor Development

The study of motor development has long influenced the clinical practice of physical therapy. We first review the contributions and deficiencies of two traditional maturational and reflex-based models of motor development. Secod, we describe basic principles of kinemutic and kinetic analyses of movement and show how we Basic research in movement science has influenced, and can continue to influence, clinicians in three ways: (1) to contribute to a basic understanding of the normal neuromotor system and the effects of various debilitating conditions ; (2) to provide techniques for diagnosis and for assessing the effects of therapeutic interventions, and (3) to help clinicians develop theory-based regimens of treatment. Historically, one branch of movement science, the study of motor development , has been especially influential in physical therapy in all three ways. Most important, perhaps, have been the neurologically focused, reflex-based descriptions of motor develop-mentl)2 and the behaviorist-maturationist work associated with have applied these techniques to understand infant stepping and kicking. Third, we propose a theory of motor development based on a dynamical system perspective that is consistent with our infant studies. Finally, we explore the implications of the model for physical therapists. [Kamm 4 Thelen E, Jensen JL. A dynamical systems approach to motor development. McGrae and GeselL4 These approaches are well-known to all therapists , not only as bases for pediatric practice, but as guides for adult interventions as well. One reason such developmental research has played a prominent role in physical therapy theory and practice is the widely shared assumption that the processes that underlie developmental change are the same processes that are involved in the rehabilitation of individuals with dysfunction. One purpose of this article is to examine this assumption. Is it theoretically valid to use development as a model for recovery of function? What are the benefits and limitations of developmental work for general theory and practice? As a basis for answering these critical questions, we will review some of our recent work in early motor development and examine how our research can relate to physical therapy in the three ways mentioned previously. We will discuss how this work builds on the traditional reflex-based and matu-rationist views and how it departs from these views, rather radically at times. We conclude by presenting a theory of motor development that may have more general therapeutic implications. Historically, motor development has often been studied for the purpose of understanding the …