The relationship between motor function and cognition in the developmental perspective.

The relationships between motor functions and cognitive functions in the normal human subject are discussed from three points of view: a priori analysis of the operations involved in the production and control of movement; synchronic experimental data; diachronic experimental data. This evidence is adduced in support of the view that motor function is a cognitive function, a view that runs strongly counter to the concepts at present dominating the domain of motor behavior research. According to the current concepts motor function is almost independent of cognition, except in so far as concerns the ideational aspects preceding motor performance and defining the most general logical characteristics of movement. The theoretical and methodological interest of taking the developmental perspective into account in the study of motor function is emphasized.