Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Ulnare Greifbewegung / Español: Agarre ulnar / Português: Agarramento ulnar / Français: Prise ulnaire / Italiano: Presa ulnare /

Ulnar grasp refers to an early manipulatory skill in which an infant grasps objects by pressing the fingers against the palm.

Ulnar grasp is a method of grasping objects in which the fingers close somewhat clumsily against the palm.

In psychology, the term "ulnar grasp" refers to a specific type of grip that infants use to hold objects. It is also sometimes called the "palmar grasp" or the "inferior pincer grasp."

The ulnar grasp is characterized by the infant using their entire hand to grasp an object, with the fingers wrapping around it and the thumb tucked in towards the palm. It is an early grasping pattern that usually develops around 3 to 4 months of age, and is eventually replaced by more refined grasping patterns as the infant's motor skills develop.

Here are some examples of how the ulnar grasp is used in psychology:

1. Developmental milestones: The ulnar grasp is an important developmental milestone in infants, as it indicates the development of basic motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

2. Object exploration: Infants use the ulnar grasp to explore and manipulate objects, which helps them to learn about their environment and develop their cognitive skills.

3. Early play: Toys that are designed for infants often incorporate features that are suitable for the ulnar grasp, such as rounded edges and easy-to-grip shapes.

4. Rehabilitation: The ulnar grasp can also be used in rehabilitation therapy for individuals who have suffered from neurological or motor impairments, as it helps to improve their grip strength and coordination.

Overall, the ulnar grasp is an important early grasping pattern that is used by infants to explore and interact with their environment. It is a key developmental milestone and plays an important role in the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.