Locomotion
Basics
Basics
What is locomotion?
Moving from one place to another independently.
First locomotor movement infants usually develop
Rolling
Arm position is common in beginner walkers
High guard position.
What age is a fairly mature walking pattern usually observed
Around ages 5–6.
Locomotor skill uses two feet for takeoff and landing
Jumping
What are two important factors needed for locomotion?
Strength, balance, stability, coordination, or environmental adaptation.
The difference between Crawling and Creeping is?
Crawling keeps the stomach/chest on the floor, while creeping uses hands and knees only.
What is the “flight phase” in running
The moment when both feet are off the ground.
Movement improves as children develop better balance and coordination
Reciprocal arm swing
Most common change in older adults
Slower walking speed.
Name two examples of locomotor movements
Rolling, crawling, creeping, walking, running, hopping, skipping, or galloping.
Around what age do most infants begin walking independently?
Around 12–18 months.
Why do toddlers walk with a wide base of support
To improve balance and stability.
How does stride length change throughout adolescence?
It increases due to growth and greater force production.
Locomotor skill developed before skipping
Galloping
Why is locomotion important for development?
It allows exploration, interaction with the environment, and learning.
What are “rate limiters” in motor development?
Constraints that slow the development of a motor skill.
Two characteristics of proficient walking
Reciprocal arm swing and increased stride length.
Changes seen when a child develops a more proficient running pattern
Increased stride length, narrower base of support, trunk rotation, and reciprocal arm swing.
Why is hopping more difficult than running
Because balance and force production occur repeatedly on one leg.
How do environmental demands influence locomotion?
They require individuals to adapt movement patterns for safe and effective movement.
Why can some infants walk without ever crawling or creeping?
Motor development varies, and infants may progress directly to walking.
Explain one major difference between walking and running.
Walking includes double limb support, while running includes a flight phase.
Why does age not guarantee perfect running form
Skeletal and muscular imbalances may still limit efficiency.
Regular exercise maintains locomotor skills in older adults
Exercise helps maintain strength, balance, coordination, mobility, and walking efficiency.