Surface stability and the development of grasp in infants
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Abstract
This study examines the acquisition of internal stability as it relates to the development of prehension in normal infants. Thirty-two infants, 7-14 months of age, were observed grasping a Cheerio from three styrene surfaces of different thickness. When placed on a platform in the testing device, these surfaces provided different amounts of support to the subject's hand. The infants were scored on their grasp patterns and on their success rates, that is, their ability to secure the Cheerio without dislodging the styrene surface from the platform device. Success rates increased with age demonstrating a decreasing need for support and a developmental progression in the acquisition of internal stability in the upper extremity. The effect of surface stability on grasp was dependent upon age. The oldest infants (13-14 months-old) consistently used mature pincer patterns despite changes in the support surface. The youngest group (7-8 months-old) were variable in their grasp patterns and reverted to less mature patterns when less surface stability was provided. The middle group (10-11 monthsold) appeared to be in a transitional stage between the variability of grasp seen in the younger infants and the consistency of the oldest group. Clinically, this study demonstrates the importance of evaluating infants' need for external support during fine motor tasks, and of providing adequate support when demands for skilled control are made.
Description
Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University
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