Motor Development in Early and Later Childhood: Longitudinal Approaches

Description

This volume describes from an interdisciplinary perspective human motor development using longitudinal study methods. The biological basis of motor development is discussed, looking at mechanisms of embryonic growth and fetal development. Fetal movement patterns and developmental processes and adaptations that continue throughout childhood are also treated. Chapters cover the mechanisms that underlie the development of posture, goal-directed behavior, movement patterns for communication and the acquisition of skills, such as tool use and writing. The book also considers how the developmental process can go wrong. Possible risk factors for abnormal motor development are discussed and the adaptive processes that accompany motor deficiencies in childhood and later life are also described.

"The variety of approaches, richness of the original data presented, the large number of references from many sources combine to make this a very stimulating collection." Perceptual and Motor Skills "...[the book's] scope is very impressive...the editors (and authors) have done a splendid job of cross-referencing among the different parts of the book...an interesting and quite readable summary..." H.L. Pick, Contemporary Psychology