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Review
. 2010 Dec;90(12):1838-49.
doi: 10.2522/ptj.2010033. Epub 2010 Oct 21.

Variability in postural control during infancy: implications for development, assessment, and intervention

Stacey C Dusing  1 , Regina T Harbourne
Affiliations
Review

Variability in postural control during infancy: implications for development, assessment, and intervention

Stacey C Dusing et al. Phys Ther. 2010 Dec.

Abstract

Variability is commonly considered a key to typical motor development. However, multiple definitions and quantification systems have limited the clinical interpretation of variability and the translation of developmental research to assessment and intervention. The purposes of this perspective article are to highlight the importance of statistical variability and complexity in postural control during development and to describe implications for assessment and intervention during infancy and early childhood. Five tenets are proposed describing the role of variability in postural control to support movement experiences, exploration, and global development. Evidence for assessment and intervention focused on variability in postural control are introduced.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Schematic of time series of changes in posture (variable undefined): (A) postural movement that is repetitive, with the exception of a single large postural sway; (B) postural movement that is complex or nonrepetitive. Note that the means and standard deviations of both plots are equal, demonstrating a limitation of these measures of variability to describe the internal structure of the postural control within the time series.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Statistical variability, complexity, and adaptability for supine and sitting motor behaviors. Each image represents an infant's attempt to control posture during a specific behavior. Each behavior is characterized by the statistical variability and complexity observed during this type of motor behavior. In addition, each behavior is categorized based on the authors' perspective of the infant's ability to adapt postural control strategies to task demands.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Example of therapeutic intervention to encourage the infant to perceive active weight shift forward in supported sitting. (A) The infant pushes posterior. (B and C) The infant experiences variable active practice shifting weight forward through the upper extremities and legs to achieve an environmental goal. (D) The infant maintains his trunk more upright while attempting to sit and reach.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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