Final answer:
Dynamic systems theory views motor development as an interaction between the CNS responses to sensory input, individual physical abilities, and environmental influences, progressing through orderly stages like sitting and walking with the cerebellum as a key component.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dynamic systems theory explains motor development as a complex process influenced by a multitude of factors, including the nervous system's sensory input and motor response, individual muscle strength, the body's physical properties, and the environment. According to Leisman et al. (2014), motor development progresses through a series of orderly stages, from reflexive reactions to more sophisticated motor functions like walking. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in motor function and procedural learning, acting as a comparator for voluntary movement. Over time, a child's motor development is shaped through interaction with their environment, prompting adaptation and learning to achieve dynamic homeostasis and growth within the biological system.
For instance, an infant first learns to hold their head up, followed by sitting with assistance, sitting unassisted, crawling, and eventually walking. These stages are a product of the central nervous system (CNS) integration, resulting in motor responses based on sensory inputs. Certain reflexes are essential early in life and help differentiate motor disorders between upper and lower motor neurons, providing insights into the state of muscle tone and the type of paralysis present.