Oropharyngeal control of hand-mouth coordination in newborn infants

Rochat, P; Blass, EM; Hoffmeyer, LB

HERO ID

1060873

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1988

Language

English

HERO ID 1060873
In Press No
Year 1988
Title Oropharyngeal control of hand-mouth coordination in newborn infants
Authors Rochat, P; Blass, EM; Hoffmeyer, LB
Journal Developmental Psychology
Volume 24
Issue 4
Page Numbers 459-463
Abstract This research identifies a coordinative structure of action that integrates hand and mouth activities within hours after birth. Infants in the supine position received 7 presentations of 12% sucrose solution. Differences in hand–mouth coordination relative to preceding and succeeding epochs of nonsucrose presentation were striking: 32% of the sucrose period was spent by infants with hands inside the mouth or in contact with it, and 18%, for the same measures during periods of nonsucrose delivery. In addition the hand was brought to the mouth 50% more often during the sucrose period. These data provide evidence for oropharyngeal control over intergration of gross motor patterns of hand movement as they relate to the mouth. A possible functional significance of these findings is discussed.
Doi 10.1037//0012-1649.24.4.459
Wosid BCI:BCI198886107763
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English