Variability in postural control during infancy: implications for development, assessment, and intervention.
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.
Department of Physical Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia Campus, 1200 E Broad St, West Hospital B065, PO Box 980224, Richmond, VA 23298-0224, USA. scdusing@vcu.edu
Stacey C
SC
Dusing
Regina T
RT
Harbourne
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D002657:Child Development; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009048:Motor Skills; D041641:Musculoskeletal Development; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*