Review Dynamical systems theory explains change in systems that exchange energy with the surrounding environment DST explains how behavior changes through self organization – typically no one teaches a child to run… – speed is the catalyst

Motor Development Re-conceptualizing Developmental Change in Movement Patterns

Life Span Motor Development Evolution of a Theory & Research Program

In the beginning...a clinician! na knowledge of neurodevelopmental theory na fascination with righting and equilibrium reactions na love for movement analysis

Neurodevelopmental Theory ndevelopment is a process of reflex integration nlower level automatic behavior gives way to higher level volitional control Spinal Level Brain stem Level Midbrain Motor Ctx

Neurodevelopmental Theory nProgressive nPositive nAdd Abilities nEnd State Oriented (maturity is the end state)

Neurodevelopmental Theory nCNS = Cause of Change

Biological Theory of Aging... nRegressive nNegative nLoss of Abilities nEnd state oriented (end state = death)

Life Span Theory nDevelopment followed by Aging

Milani - Comparetti

Milani Comparetti = my personal Control Variable!

Change of State

Virginia... (1970s)

Wisconsin (1980s)

The Doctoral Experience

Roberton’s Component Model Developmental Stages of Throwing Reliability of assigning Stages Developmental Change within Components of Body Action

Component Model of Development nUpper Limbs nAxial Region nLower Limbs

Lawrence & Kuypers

Three descending control systems nmedial system – controls axial region nlateral system – controls proximal limb movements nin primate studies the lateral system allowed for differentiated arm movements ncortical system – controls distal movements nin primate studies allowed individuated finger movments

Straying into Systems models nNot just one big hierarchy nRoberton was studying development in those systems!

Applying Roberton’s Method nTaking it to a new task n From Throwing to Righting

Learning the Research Process

Righting Reactions nDeveloped during 1st year of life nRolling to prone nUp on hands and knees nInto sitting nQuadruped to kneeling nKneeling to Half Kneel nUp to Stand

Righting Reactions Movements couple together to assume erect stance Foundation for Physical Independence

Righting Reactions nFirst Rotational movements then Symmetrical nBut observations of young adults in PT school revealed all were not using symmetrical form

Studies of Righting nRising to Standing from the Floor nYoung Adults

Why Young Adults? nvariability in PT students impressive na very few showed symmetrical form when rising nRoberton examined variability to get stages of throwing nLifespan perspective nhypothesis: variation was “developmental”

Sequences nIf person is in a stage he/she shows stable behavior characteristic of that stage nIf a person is moving from one stage to another nshows variable behavior characteristic of those two neighboring stages

Studies of Righting nRising to Standing from the Floor nYoung Adults nVariability continued to be impressive across 10 trials nDescribed action in each of three components of body action nable to identify neighboring stages for each body region

Really out on a Limb

Studies of Righting nRising to Standing from the Floor nChildren nAge differences confirmed sequences of movement pattern development identified from adult patterns of variation nComponent Model affirmed