A Study in Infant Development

Alma (Mae Magoon) Frank (1898–1953), trained with Alexander 1937–40. ‘A Study in Infant Development’ compares postural and movement behaviour of infants when attaining sitting position without adult aid and when guided by the holding of hands into the sitting position by an adult. The latter procedure produces a noticeable ‘decrease in stature’. The article relates its findings to G. E. Coghill’s work on the mechanism of total integration, R. Magnus’ work on the reflexes of anti-gravity muscles, and Alexander’s work on the primary control of the reflex action of use. First published in 'Child Development', vol. 9, no. 1 (March, 1938).