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Development of Locomotor-Related Movements in Early Infancy

Arthur H Dewolf1, Francesca Sylos Labini2, Yury Ivanenko2

  • 1Department of Systems Medicine, Center of Space Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|February 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Early infant locomotion emerges from precursor movements, reflecting neural network development. Understanding the interaction between neural output and the body

Area of Science:

  • Developmental neuroscience
  • Motor control
  • Infant behavior

Background:

  • Locomotor skills in infancy are crucial for development.
  • Early motor behaviors are highly variable but adaptable.
  • Neuronal networks underpin motor pattern generation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the emergence of locomotor-related movements in early infancy.
  • To explore precursor behaviors as indicators of neural development.
  • To highlight the role of sensory-motor integration in skill acquisition.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on infant locomotion.
  • Analysis of precursor behaviors and their developmental significance.
  • Theoretical framework integrating neural output and mechanical dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Precursor movements are key to developing locomotor skills.
  • Afferent information shapes motor behavior based on context.
  • Variability in motor behavior is managed through adaptive processes.

Conclusions:

  • Locomotion development involves complex neural and mechanical interactions.
  • Closed-loop systems are essential for flexible motor pattern generation.
  • Studying neonate motor control offers insights into fundamental principles of movement.

Keywords:
complexity and flexibility of CPGsearly development of locomotionearly responsivenesslocomotor precursorssensory modulation of movement

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