The relative effectiveness of multisensory-, physical-, modeling-, and verbal-prompting assessment strategies upon the gross motor performance of 40 moderately retarded children (ages 5 to 15 years) was investigated, taking into account the impact of the Ss' levels of reflexive maturation and orthopedic functioning. (Author/DLS)

Games analysis process is a process whereby teachers of handicapped students can design games to accommodate individual motoric differences, as well as to promote specific behavioral outcomes such as cooperation. (SBH)

Research studies have indicated that the deaf are inferior to the hearing in motor ability, including the components of static and dynamic balance performance. Also, the deaf can improve their motor performance. In addition to a well-rounded physical education program, a program of gymnastics can meet the special needs of students with balance,…

The successful development of a basic movement program depends on the teacher's ability to recognize and to work effectively with varying levels of student motor and cognitive proficiency. (LH)

Examined how infants acquire adaptive locomotion in the novel task of going up and down slopes. Found that infants' judgments became increasingly accurate and exploration became increasingly efficient, with no transfer over the transition from crawling to walking. Infants learned to gauge their abilities on-line as they encountered each hill at…

Six adults with Down syndrome performed discrete elbow or wrist, flexion or extension movements in a sagittal plane, moving one of the joints as fast as possible. The subjects demonstrated simultaneous bursts of activity in the flexor and extensor muscles controlling both joints. This adaptive feature may reflect a general tendency of these…

This study examined inhibitory function in 13 nonretarded children with autism and 13 normally developing controls. Tasks measuring motor and cognitive components were administered to both groups. Results suggest that at least two components of inhibition are spared in individuals with autism, standing in contrast to flexibility and other…

The article offers guidelines for involving children and adults with severe disabilities in motor activities and sports. Stressed are participation as fun, age appropriateness, functionality of new skills, and the value of partial participation. (DB)

Analyzes the development of the skill of eating with a spoon in 16 infants of 12-23 months. Discusses the acquisition of a tool-using skill in terms of the emergence of strategies for solving particular problems and the consistency and reliability with which they are deployed. (RJC)

Investigated postural constraints on movement of 15 6-month-old infants. Results suggested that each of the developing capabilities of orienting, reaching, and kicking assumed a specific function for locomotion at the stage of crawling. (RJC)

Results of a study of 68 infants of 5-14 months revealed that partial optical flow is generally sufficient for inducing postural compensations, but the amplitude and consistency of the response depend on the location of the flow in the optic array. (RJC)

A variety of educational gymnastics, games, and sports tasks geared toward young children are described. They focus on jumping, taking weight on various body parts, large apparatus movement, ball skills, striking skills, throwing and catching skills, and travelling with a ball. Suggestions are also presented regarding the preschool handicapped…

Reviewed are the causes of oxygenation deprivation during the birth process, effects on the brain, clinical manifestations, developmental consequences in terms of cognitive and motor deficits, and implications for educators. (JDD)

Presents activities that physical educators can use to help young students who are still learning basic ball control skills. Students use a pinky ball (a small, low-bounce rubber ball) to stay on task while improving ball control skills. Games include seven-up, errors, box ball, and hit the coin. (SM)

This study of single-joint elbow flexion movements by 10 subjects with Down's syndrome (ages 14-19) and 6 control subjects concluded that there are no major qualitative deficits in the motor control mechanisms of individuals with Down's syndrome, but there might be problems with proper modulation of motor commands. (Author/JDD)