Glossary / Lexicon

Motor refers to the movement of a part of the body, or something that produces that motion or refers to motion. For example, a motor neuron is a nerve cell that conveys an impulse to a muscle causing it to contract.

Description

In psychology, the term 'motor' refers to the cognitive functions and processes that are related to movement and physical action. This includes both voluntary and involuntary movements, as well as the coordination and control of these movements. Motor skills are essential for everyday tasks such as walking, talking, and writing, and are closely linked to other cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and perception. Deficits in motor skills can impact a person's ability to complete tasks efficiently and may be indicative of underlying neurological or developmental disorders. Understanding motor functioning is crucial for assessing and treating a wide range of psychological conditions.

Application Areas

• Neuropsychological assessment
• Rehabilitation therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Developmental psychology

Treatment and Risks

• Physical therapy to improve motor skills
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address psychological issues related to motor functioning
• Risks include developmental delays, motor impairments, and challenges in daily functioning

Examples

• A child with developmental coordination disorder struggling with handwriting
• An adult with Parkinson's disease experiencing difficulties with balance and gait
• An individual with apraxia having trouble performing purposeful movements

Similar Concepts and Synonyms

• Motility
• Movement disorders
• Physical coordination
• Kinesthetic sense

Articles with 'Motor' in the title

• Cingulate motor area (CMA) or cingulate motor cortex: Cingulate motor area (CMA) or cingulate motor cortex : Cingulate motor area (CMA ) or cingulate motor cortex : Cingulate motor area refer to structures of the secondary motor cortex involved in higher order voluntary movement
• Ideomotor apraxia: Ideomotor apraxia is defined as Motor Apraxia which refers to an inability to access a stored motor sequence or an inability to relay that information to the motor association areas
• Oculomotor cue: Oculomotor cue refers to depth cue that depends on our ability to sense the position of our eyes and the tension in our eye muscles.
• Premotor cortex: Premotor cortex which is also known as Premotor area is located in Brodmann's area 6 of the frontal lobes that receives neuronal input from posterior parietal areas, secondary somatosensory areas, and cerebellum
• Psychomotor: Psychomotor refers to the connection between cognitive functions and physical movement. In the psychology context, psychomotor skills encompass a wide range of actions that require both mental processing and physical activity, from simple . . .
• Psychomotor agitation: Psychomotor agitation refers to excessive motor activity associated with a feeling of inner tension. The activity is usually non-productive, repetitious and consists of behaviour such as pacing, fidgeting, wringing hands, pulling of . . .
• Psychomotor epilepsy: Psychomotor epilepsy refers to a form of seizure originating from the temporal lobe- emotional symptoms often present such as changes in mood. Psychomotor epilepsy is also known as Temporal lobe epilepsy
• Sensorimotor intelligence: Sensorimotor intelligence is a term used in Piaget's theory of development, the first stage of cognitive growth, during which schemes are built on sensory and motor experiences
• Sensory Motor Stage (0 - 24 months) (Piaget): Sensory Motor Stage (0- 24 months) (Piaget) : Sensory Motor Stage (0- 24 months) refers to the first of the four (4) stages Piaget uses to define cognitive development
• Graphmotor Development: Graphmotor Development refers to fine motor skills associated with handwriting and drawing
• Psychomotor Retardation: Psychomotor Retardation refers to a visible generalised slowing of movements and speech- Other definition: Psychomotor Retardation is a type of reterdation which occurs when movements associated with mental processes are hindered
• Psychomotor retardation: Psychomotor retardation refers to a motor pattern involving abnormally slow movements and lethargy.
• Cingulate motor area (CMA): Cingulate motor area (CMA) : Cingulate motor area (CMA ) also known as Cingulate motor cortex are structures of the secondary motor cortex involved in higher order voluntary movement
• Extrapyramidal motor system: Extrapyramidal motor system refers to a system which is responsible for stereotyped postural and reflexive motor activity. The Extrapyramidal motor system also acts to keep individual muscles ready to respond
• Fine motor skills: Fine motor skills: Fine motor skills is defined as motor skills associated with grasping, holding, and manipulating objects. They are skills employing the small muscles used in manipulation, such as those in the fingers
• Psychomotor ability: Psychomotor ability refers to the measure of facility with such processes as finger dexterity and motor coordination.
• Psychomotor speed: Psychomotor speed is defined as the the speed with which a person can make a specific response
• Pyramidal motor system: Pyramidal motor system the system that originates in the

Weblinks

• allerwelt-lexikon.de: 'Motor' in the allerwelt-lexikon.de (German)
• umweltdatenbank.de: 'Motor' im Lexikon der umweltdatenbank.de (German)
• top500.de: 'Motor' in the glossary of the top500.de
• environment-database.eu: 'Motor' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu

Summary

Motor skills play a crucial role in our daily lives and are closely intertwined with various cognitive functions. Understanding and assessing motor functioning is essential for diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychological conditions. From developmental disorders to neurological diseases, motor skills can provide valuable insights into an individual's overall cognitive and physical well-being.

--