Head posture and infants' grasping

Abstract

This experiment examined the role of the head posture in 6-8 months old infants' reaching and grasping. In half of the experimental trials head position adjustments were required (by using a moving room) and in the other half were not, while infants reached for a small or a large ball. Video and kinematic analyses showed that as a result of the need for head position adjustments both the grasp and movement time were significantly longer and the coordination between the two arms was changed. When no head position adjustments were required the reaching and grasping pattern was adjusted to object size. © 2000 Teviot Scientific Publications.