What does the term 'developmental progression' in motor development refer to?

The term 'developmental progression' in motor development specifically refers to the sequence in which motor skills are acquired. This concept emphasizes that motor skills do not emerge randomly but follow a particular order that reflects the developmental stages of a child. For example, infants typically develop the ability to control their head before they can sit up, and subsequently, they learn to crawl, stand, and walk. Understanding this sequence helps in evaluating typical and atypical motor development, allowing caregivers and practitioners to provide appropriate support and interventions when necessary.

The other options address different aspects of motor development. The rate of physical growth is more about the speed at which a child grows rather than the order of skill acquisition. Environmental influences pertain to how surroundings can impact a child's movement skills but do not define the progression of skill acquisition itself. The decline of motor skills in the elderly is an entirely different concept related to aging, contrasting with the growth and learning process in younger individuals.