Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Quantified Assessment of Infant's Gross Motor Abilities Using a Multisensor Wearable
Published on: May 17, 2024
Infant and child motor development
Sara L Edwards1, John F Sarwark
1Northwestern University, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chicago, IL, USA.
Insights
Early detection of infant and child developmental delay by orthopaedic surgeons is crucial. Prompt referral for early intervention services improves motor function and family confidence in managing special needs.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Early Intervention
Background:
- Accurate identification of infant and child developmental delay is essential for orthopaedic surgeons.
- Early detection and intervention significantly improve outcomes for children and their families.
- Recognizing developmental delays facilitates timely referral to crucial support services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define early intervention in the context of developmental delays.
- To delineate normal versus abnormal motor development in infants and children.
- To provide practical examination tools for assessing motor development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on developmental milestones and screening tools.
- Clinical guidelines for assessing motor function in pediatric populations.
- Case study examples illustrating the application of assessment tools.
Main Results:
- Key indicators of normal and abnormal motor development are identified.
- Specific examination techniques for evaluating motor skills are presented.
- The importance of a systematic approach to developmental assessment is highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Orthopaedic surgeons play a vital role in identifying developmental delays.
- Early intervention services are critical for optimizing child development and family support.
- Standardized assessment tools aid in accurate and timely diagnosis.
Abstract:
Identifying infant and child developmental delay is a skill important for orthopaedic surgeons to master because they often are asked to distinguish between normal and abnormal movement. An emphasis has been placed on early detection and referral for intervention, which has been shown to enhance the lives of the infant or child and his or her family. Appropriate recognition of delay is necessary for referral to early intervention services, which serve to help these children overcome or improve motor dysfunction and to help families grow more confident in caring for children with special needs. We define early intervention, discuss normal and abnormal motor development, and provide useful examination tools to assess motor development.
Related Concept Videos
Piaget's Stage 1 of Cognitive Development
Exploration...
Three Developmental Domains
Physical Development
Physical processes, also known as maturation, encompass the biological changes that occur across an individual's life. These changes begin with genetic inheritance and continue through various stages, including growth in height and weight,...
Hierarchy of Motor Control
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
Language Development
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
