Gross and fine motor skills

The terms gross movement and fine movement are generally used to categorize types of movements; however, they can also generally describe motor development. Gross movements are primarily controlled by the large muscles or muscle groups. One relatively large muscle group, for example, is in the upper leg. These muscles are integral in producing an array of movements, such as walking, running, and skipping. Such movements, primarily a function of large muscle groups, are considered gross movements. Fine movements are primarily governed by the small muscles or muscle groups. Many movements performed with the hands are considered fine movements because the smaller muscles of the fin- gers, hand, and forearm are critical to the produc- tion of finger and hand movement. Therefore, such movements as drawing, sewing, typing, or playing a musical instrument are fine movements. Although movements are frequently categorized as gross or fine, very few are completely governed by either the small or the large muscle groups. For example, handwriting is normally considered a fine movement, but as in most fine movements, there is a gross motor component: The large muscles of the shoulder are necessary for positioning the arm. A combination of the large and small muscle groups is often responsible for the production of gross movements as well. Throwing, for example, is considered a gross movement, a logical catego- rization because upon casual observation the most significant muscle involvement appears to emanate from the shoulder and the legs. A throw, however, is normally initiated with a certain degree of accu- racy intended. The large muscles of the shoulder and the legs contribute greatly to the desired accu- racy, but minute, subtle adjustments of the wrist and fingers are imperative for optimal precision. Therefore, although throwing is considered a gross movement, an important fine motor component is critical to perfection in throwing. In fact, the degree of fine motor control is a reasonably good indication of movement perfection. An individual may be capable of performing the necessary gross motor aspects of a movement, but the skill may not be honed until the person acquires the fine motor components. The terms gross motor and fine motor can be used either to categorize movement or to describe general progression or regression in motor development. As a person matures in a particular movement, the fine components of the skill become increasingly significant; the person becomes increasingly adept at both fine and gross motor aspects of the movement. During move- ment regression, which often occurs from lack of activity in later life, the reverse occurs: The performer initially loses the ability to incorporate the fine motor aspect of the movement. After extreme regression, even the gross motor compo- nents of a movement begin to diminis. Source: «Human Motor Development”-A Lifespan approach (Greg Payne, Larry Isaacs) Recent Articles