This paper examines the influence of task and skill level constraints on the generality of proximal-distal control for within-limb movement coordination. Analysis and synthesis of the experimental findings leads to the proposition that proximal-distal is one of several within-limb patterns of coordination, including: the reverse distal-proximal…

The Michigan State University (MSU) Motor Performance Study (MPS) was initiated in 1967 and was known across the United States for its unique blend of teaching, service, and research. Dr. Vern Seefeldt began the study as a means to begin research with children on-campus. The instructional portion of the program ended in 1999; data collection…

Pediatric developmental assessments from the early 1900s are different from those used more often today. Certain present-day pediatric expectations of fine motor skills, specifically those of pre-writing strokes, appear more advanced when compared to those of the past. In the mid-20th century, child developmentalists described the sequences in…

The purpose of the current article is to highlight the potential of self-determination theory (SDT) to inform the teaching practices of physical education (PE) teachers. Such practices may enhance motivational levels for participation in physical activity (PA) for children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). First, we review the…

This review analyzes approaches to intervention in children with developmental coordination disorder within the framework of how children develop and learn motor skills, drawing upon maturational, cognitive, and dynamic systems models. The approaches to intervention are divided into two categories: (1) process or deficit-oriented approaches; and…

Two methods for approaching the problems of body segment contributions to motor performance are joint immobilization with restraint and resultant muscle torque pattern. Although the second approach is preferred, researchers face major challenges when using it. (CJ)

The first of a three volume report on a project to develop and apply quantitative procedures to measure motor and sensory/motor growth in nonhandicapped and severely/multiply handicapped children presents 17 papers delineating ways to measure motor function. The following motoric functions are considered: visual fixation, visual tracking, visual…

A qualitative longitudinal study, first of four parts, compared developmental movement levels and academic learning levels in young children. Subjects were 28 children of various ages who were not working up to grade level but who did not qualify for learning disability services. Parents completed a detailed demographic survey and a neurological…

The paper describes principles and techniques for using microcomputers to enhance the motor development of learning disabled students. Among the guiding principles that the author suggests be kept foremost as educational uses of microcomputers are explored are (1) the fact that microcomputers do not think and cannot replace teachers and (2) that…

Background: Movement clumsiness (or Developmental Coordination Disorder--DCD) has gained increasing recognition as a significant condition of childhood. However, some uncertainty still exists about diagnosis. Accordingly, approaches to assessment and treatment are varied, each drawing on distinct theoretical assumptions about the aetiology of the…