Why should we follow stepwise verticalization and avoid axial loading, especially in the first months?
Motor Ontogenesis is the step-by-step development of a child’s movements, directly related to the stepwise verticalization and reduction of the support area.
The explanation lies in the physiology and anatomy of an infant, as well as in physics:
- The bone structures of an infant consist of 40% soft, easily deformable elastic cartilage tissue.
- During verticalization, the axial load on such a structure is unbearable, and these structures begin to experience critical stress, leading to deformation due to the absence of a developed muscular framework ready to support the bone structures.
In an adult human skeleton, there are approximately 208 bones. However, in a newborn baby, the skeleton consists of almost 270 bones, which is significantly more than in an adult.
This difference arises because the infant’s skeleton contains a large number of small bones, which fuse together to form larger bones only as the child grows and develops (such as the bones of the skull, pelvis, and spine).
The blue areas indicate growth and the transformation of cartilaginous tissue into bone.
Spinal Curves
Cervical lordosis develops in a child when they begin to hold their head up.
Thoracic kyphosis develops in a child when they begin to sit.
Lumbar lordosis forms when a child starts to stand.
The spine has an S-shaped form, and it has four distinct curves.
In newborns, the spine is straight.
The developmental stages of the spine include:
- Straight curve (newborn)
- Cervical lordosis (3-4 months)
- Thoracic kyphosis (8-9 months)
- Lumbar lordosis (after one year)
In connection with the beginning of the formation of joint capsules, we exclude sudden movements and pulling on the limbs.
Shoulder joint (front view) capsule and joint ligaments:
1 – coracohumeral ligament
2 – coracoacromial ligament
3 – coracoid process
4 – scapula
5 – joint capsule
6 – humerus
7 – long head of the biceps brachii tendon
8 – subscapularis tendon
9 – acromion
In summary, motor ontogenesis is the step-by-step development of a child’s movements intricately linked to their evolving skeletal structure. Understanding the unique features of infant skeletal development is crucial for promoting healthy growth and physical development. It’s a vital aspect of a child’s journey toward a strong and resilient musculoskeletal system