Bradley 9616100 Recent theories suggest that development of the control of movement emerges from the interactions of multiple developing systems under genetic control with environment- based experiences. This project uses synchronized video recording of movements and electromyographic recording of muscle activity to measure body movements at four different ages of embryonic development, and investigates the transformations that occur over this period of development. The studies also investigate whether mechanically imposed changes in the embryo's environment affect the development of the nervous system's control of movement. These studies are important in that the findings provide quantitative information as to whether movement experiences during embryonic development contribute to the developmental refinement of normal motor behavior. The results provide the basis for investigating whether movement experiences during embryonic development play a significant role in the acquisition of complex, adaptive skills and whether atypical movement experiences during embryonic development lead to persistent atypical motor behaviors.
