Kinaesthetic Sensitivity to Passive Movements and its Relationship to Motor Development and Motor Control

Abstract

A test of kinesthetic sensitivity to passive movements of the upper limbs was constructed consisting of 2 tasks: position and movement discrimination, and movement pattern perception and memory. A total of 475 [human] subjects ranging in age from 5 yr to adult were tested and developmental trends were established. The test was a useful tool in measuring the kinesthetic sensitivity of normal subjects, and of intellectually and physically handicapped children. Results for right and left arms did not differ in the test of kinesthetic perception and memory. Kinesthetic sensitivity was correlated with everyday motor functions involving fine manual control, and with coordinated gross body movements.