How infants develop arm reaching skills and motor control
Emergence of arm reaching behavior and lateralization of motor control in infancy
['FUNDING_R01'] · CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES · NIH-11031332
This study is looking at how babies learn to reach for things on purpose, and it’s for parents and caregivers who want to understand how their little ones develop this important skill, especially if they need a bit of extra help.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11031332 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how infants transition from random movements to purposeful arm reaching, a critical motor skill. By studying infants over time, the project aims to understand the factors that influence this development, including both individual characteristics and environmental influences. Researchers will use electroencephalography (EEG) to explore the neural mechanisms involved in learning to reach, focusing on the role of making errors during practice. The findings could help improve early intervention strategies for infants who may struggle with motor skills.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants who are beginning to develop motor skills, particularly those who may be at risk for delays in reaching and other motor milestones.
Not a fit: Patients who are older children or those who have already developed motor skills may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better early intervention programs that support infants in developing essential motor skills.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the learning processes in infants can lead to significant advancements in early intervention strategies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SMITH, BETH A — CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: SMITH, BETH A
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.