Fine motor skill
Fine motor skill (or dexterity) is the coordination of small muscles in movement with the eyes, hands and fingers.
Gross motor skills are involved in movement and coordination of the arms, legs, and other large body parts.
Fine motor skills are involved in smaller movements that occur in the wrists, hands, fingers, feet and toes.
A study was done by Philippe Rochat at Emory University in 1992 to test the relation between progress in the control of posture and the developmental transition from two-handed to one-handed engagement in reaching.
A study conducted by Esther Thelen on postural control during infancy used the dynamic systems approach to observe motor development.
[citation needed] The next developmental milestone is between seven and twelve months, when a series of fine motor skills begins to develop.
Based on the accuracy and form of hold the child will be ranked either from 1–10 or 1–5 of how well they are able to complete the dynamic tripod grasp while properly writing.
In conjunction with accuracy and precision the child will be able to properly position a writing utensil in terms of implement diameter as well as form and grip strength.
[7] The National Centre of Teaching and Learning illustrates the abilities that preschool children should have improved through their fine motor skills in several domains.
Arts and crafts activities like cutting and gluing paper, finger painting, and dressing up develops their creativity.
[6] Developmental disabilities[example needed] may stop a child doing things that involve motor skills such as drawing or building blocks.
[8] Fine motor skills acquired during this stage aids in the later advancement and understanding of subjects such as science and reading.
The results showed a link between in-hand manipulation, hand–eye coordination, and grasping strength with the child's motor skills, self-care and social function.
Fine motor skills can become impaired due to injury, illness, stroke, congenital deformities, cerebral palsy, or developmental disabilities.
Problems with the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, or joints can also have an effect on fine motor skills, and can decrease control.
If an infant or child up to age five is not developing their fine motor skills, they will show signs of difficulty controlling their hands, fingers, and face.
[citation needed] Fine motor skills can be assessed with standardized and non-standardized tests in children and adults.
[11] These aspects of manual dexterity are apparent in the ability of humans to effectively use tools, and perform hard manipulation tasks such as handling unstable objects.
