Accuracy of children on an open-loop pointing task.

The accuracy of active and passive movements was measured in 4-yr.- to 11-yr.-old children and in adults performing a visuo-manual pointing task without seeing their limbs. Accuracy varied according to age and nature of movement. The younger children performed accurate movements. At age 7 the accuracy suddenly decreased while the difference between active and passive movements increased. Between 7 and 11 yr., the active performance improved progressively until attaining an adult-like level, while the passive performance remained unchanged. It is concluded that a change occurs in the manner of controlling reaching movements at age 7.