Definition of Non-Manipulative Skills

Non-manipulative skills are the ability of a person to transfer and balance weight from one body part to another in a free-flowing way. For example, walking: One foot supports the weight of the body, then the other foot supports the weight of the body. Non-manipulative skill development involves gross motor coordination and is part of early-childhood development.

In Children

• Most babies learn to walk before the age of 2. This is the first step towards learning non-manipulative skills. Before walking, babies do not have refined non-manipulative skills. Although crawling is technically a non-manipulative skill, it requires very little coordination, and the sequence of movement is not complex.

Dance

• Dance involves very complex and coordinated non-manipulative skills. Dancers must coordinate muscle movements to the music and to set learn sequences. Complex dance steps require a tremendous amount of non-manipulative skill. The smoothness of the steps is directly tied to the dancers' non-manipulative skill level.

Gymnastics

• Gymnasts require the most diverse and strengthened level of non-manipulative skill. Many gymnasts uses their upper limbs and lower limbs equally to transfer weight. Gymnasts not only require strength to carry the body, but also flexibility to move the weight in unconventional ways, from feet to hands, in various positions.

Muscle Memory

• Muscle memory or unconscious learning is at the heart of refined non-manipulative skills. Most people do not consciously think about walking; it is just done. Dancers also do not think consciously about each step; through practice the movement becomes fluid and natural. Thinking would only interrupt the movement.