Chapter 14 - Motor functions

Abstract

Motor development includes the evolution from reflexive to voluntary and goal-directed motor actions. These motor actions are never performed in isolation but always in a varying physical environment, often requiring object and social interaction. For a child to function within this context, they require the ability to demonstrate skillful, efficient, and voluntary postures and movement patterns. Furthermore, these movement patterns or motor skills need to be performed in interaction with the environment and in response to diverse stimuli, an ability that is defined as praxis. In this chapter, definitions are provided for the different components of motor function, motor skills, and praxis. The close interaction between perception, cognition, and (motor) action is discussed. Furthermore, crucial periods of typical development of motor and praxis abilities are highlighted, by means of the metaphorical "mountain of motor development," that is rooted in the dynamic systems perspective on motor development, as a starting point. The chapter ends with a discussion on the evaluation of motor function and praxis, highlighting benefits, and possible pitfalls.