Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Virtual Hand with Ambiguous Movement between the Self and Other Origin: Sense of Ownership and 'Other-Produced' Agency
Published on: October 28, 2020
Stereotypical movements.
1Perception Movement Action Research Centre, The University of Edinburgh, UK. jonathan.delafi eld-butt@psy.ku.dk
Stereotypical movements are standardized movements seen in both typical development and as indicators of conditions like autism. Research aims to better classify and quantify these movements for improved understanding of action development.
Area of Science:
- Movement science
- Developmental psychology
- Clinical neuroscience
Background:
- Stereotypical movements are standardized, repeatable movements.
- The term has dual use in movement science (developmental patterns) and medical pathology (e.g., autism).
- Current understanding requires better classification and quantification for psychophysiological insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the interindividual use of 'stereotypical movement' in movement science.
- To discuss ongoing research in classifying and quantifying these movements.
- To enhance the psychophysiological understanding of action development and identify sensitive measures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis.
- Exploration of developmental movement patterns.
- Discussion of pathological repetitive movements.
Main Results:
- Stereotypical movements are recognized as standardized patterns across individuals in development.
- These movements can also signify pathological conditions, such as in autism spectrum disorder.
- Ongoing work focuses on precise classification and quantification.
Conclusions:
- A unified understanding of stereotypical movements across disciplines is needed.
- Improved quantification can lead to better psychophysiological insights into action development.
- Development of sensitive measures for stereotypical movements is a key research objective.
Related Concept Videos
Anatomical Movements
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist, metacarpophalangeal,...
Positive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Hallucinations and Delusions
Thought Disorders
Disorganized and unusual thought processes mark thought disorders in schizophrenia. One key feature is disorganized speech, where an individual's conversation includes loosely...
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
Fixed Action Patterns
Stereotype Content Model
