title: [The glider. Postural kinetic behavior during the pre-locomotor period in infants].
abstract: Soaring movements-in an opisthotonic posture-which appear between 3 and 10 months when the infant is in a prone position, have been observed with cinematographic recordings. This is a postural and kinetic activity which takes place during the first year's development; i is a transitional stage leading to intentional propulsive movements. This activity may become a repetitive one for some children, especially between 4 and 7 months; at this peak period, it takes on an unusual aspect, not only because of the "aerial" attitude but also because of the rhythmicity of the postural changes which characterize it. This behavior has been studied in its evolutionary forms, its individual characteristics, and its emotional expressions. Hovering movements are localized in the neuro-psychological evolution of the infant (tonico-postural evolution, acquisition of balance in a prone position, alternating postures, propulsive movements). The conditions which set off and quieten this activity explain the dynamics of its functioning between movements to which the baby is submitted and deliberate ones, between constraint and pleasure.
mesh_terms: D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D009068:Movement; D011187:Posture
vernacular_title: Le planeur. Comportement posturo-cinétique au cours de la période pré-locomotrice chez le nourrisson.