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Human interlimb coordination: The first 6 months of independent walking
Author(s) -
Clark Jane E.,
Whitall Jill,
Phillips Sally J.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
developmental psychobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1098-2302
pISSN - 0012-1630
DOI - 10.1002/dev.420210504
Subject(s) - physical medicine and rehabilitation , consistency (knowledge bases) , psychology , motor coordination , developmental psychology , medicine , neuroscience , computer science , artificial intelligence
The organization of interlimb coordination was studied in newly walking infants with and without support and in infants who had been walking 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 months. Analysis of the temporal and distance phase relationships between the limbs revealed that newly walking infants exhibit interlimb coordination similar to that of mature walkers. The coupling between the limbs, however, is loosely constrained, approaching adult‐like consistency after 3 months of walking. Providing support for the newly walking infant afforded a more consistent, mature coordination suggesting that neuromuscular development is in advance of its ability to function in the physical world.