The neurological development of prehension: a developmental neurologist's view

From the developmental neurological point of view prehension is an important function as it involves the total sensorimotor nervous system. In order to make efficient performance possible both postural activity and motility of arms and hands must be coordinated, implying an intricate interplay between tonic and phasic activities. The analysis of the development of the different contributors suggests that they are based on independently developing brain mechanisms. This independency guarantees the variability which is required for adequately adaptive and purposeful functioning. A lack of this ability to vary, i.e. monotonous and stereotyped function resulting from deficient or deficiently coupled brain mechanisms leads to maladaptive and impaired motor function. Identification of the dysfunctioning brain mechanisms may inform treatment strategies.