# DYNAMICAL FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOTOR SKILLS

> **NIH NIH R01** · TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY · 1994 · $251,067

## Abstract

The overall goal of this research program is to understand the acquisition
of motor skills in infancy.  The proposed studies are informed by a dynamic
systems perspective.  Thus, the research strategy is twofold: (1) to
provide a detailed description of the developmental changes in reaching and
walking and their multiple interacting subsystems, and (2) to identify and
experimentally manipulate agents and processes critical to the emergence of
new behavioral forms.  Specific aim I is to complete the analysis of
longitudinal data on the kinematics, kinetics, and muscle patterns of
infant reaching, collected weekly from 4 infants from weeks 3 - 52.  This
will describe the transition from spontaneous to goal-directed reaching,
the improvements in the accuracy, speed and smoothness in reaching, and the
dynamic segmental forces and muscle patterns that underlie these changes.
Specific aim 2 is to conduct a longitudinal study of infants between 6
months and 18 months to trace the kinematic, kinetic and EMG
characteristics of treadmill steps, supported steps, and independent
walking.  This study will describe the developmental transition in the
neuromuscular precursors of walking when infants stand, bear weight, and
move forward independently.  Specific aim 3 is to conduct experiments where
kicking and reaching movements are perturbed by a slight tug, which
simulates the naturally occurring internal and external force environment.
This study investigates how infants detect and adjust their muscles to
proprioceptive input.  Specific aim 4 is a series of experiments
investigating how infants acquire new motor forms.  Infants will be trained
to use bilateral kicks to activate a mobile, and the conditions and
contexts that facilitate learning and remembering the new pattern of
coordination will be manipulated.  These studies are important to (1)
illuminate basic developmental processes; (2) understand fundamental
mechanisms of motor coordination and control; and (3) impact on clinical
practice, especially physical and occupational therapy with children.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 2198676
- **Project number:** 5R01HD022830-09
- **Recipient organization:** TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YH86RTW2YVJ4
- **Principal Investigator:** Esther Thelen
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1994
- **Award amount:** $251,067
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1987-03-01 → 1997-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/2198676

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 2198676, DYNAMICAL FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOTOR SKILLS (5R01HD022830-09). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/2198676. Licensed CC0.

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