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A Primitive Reflex Brainstorming Session with Rachel and Jessica
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Today we are answering a question from inside our Primitive Reflex Digital Course. The question is about the exercises for the Moro Reflex as well as the sensory input that is provided during the exercises. We discuss all of this plus we dive into some research (which you can find in the links below)!
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Research: Vestibular Stimulation and Primitive Reflex Integration'
Research: Effects of Primitive Reflex Integration Exercises on Forward Head Posture
Research: The Influences of a Primitive Reflex Integration Programme within the Classroom
How long does primitive reflex integration take?
A Primitive Reflex Brainstorming Session with Rachel and Jessica
During a child's first year of life, there are automatic movements known as primitive reflexes that help them adapt to their environment and develop important survival skills. These reflexes are crucial for establishing healthy neurological pathways that promote learning, behavior, and physical development.
The focus of this blog post is to answer a question from our audience about primitive reflexes. We will also offer recommendations for reflex exercises that may aid in promoting your child's growth and development.
Question Of The Day!
"I am currently working with a child who may have a retained Moro Reflex. I have been modifying activities to help her work on this, such as lying on a scooter or upside down on a therapy ball, but it takes effort to get her into these positions due to motor planning and anxiety.
After completing the activities, she seemed calmer and needed encouragement to move to the next activity. Eventually, she transitioned to a desk for a few minutes. Is there a typical response or immediate effect that can be seen when doing activities or exercises that focus on a retained reflex?"
Initial Thoughts
It appears that when she was doing the supine position on the therapy ball upside down, it provided a lot of sensory input. By wanting to stay in the prone position instead of standing up, she is attempting to ground herself and calm her nervous system.
The reason for lying face down is that it offers significant tactile stimulation to the entire body. This helps in calming and regulating the nervous system, especially after activities such as turning upside down on a therapy ball, lying on the back, or using a scooter board.
Additionally, if she appears happy afterward, it indicates that she is achieving a more regulated state. This is because she is receiving beneficial vestibular input followed by beneficial proprioceptive input. These two inputs aid her in feeling calmer and regulated in certain scenarios.
Interpreting A Child's Behavior During Primitive Reflexes Exercises?
The benefits of integrating primitive reflexes may not be seen immediately but are instead a result of ongoing sensory stimulation. Creating new neural pathways can be challenging for many children, and they may experience regression during primitive reflex integration.
To ensure a positive experience for your child or client, it's important to assess whether they need to push through tough situations or take a break. Additionally, discussing how sensory activities affect their emotions - nervousness, anxiety, feeling silly, or calmness and happiness - and identifying these emotions together will help them better understand their body and emotions.
Utilizing Primitive Reflexes To Assist In Achieving The Supine And Prone Positions
To assist your child or client in feeling at ease in the supine position, start by having them lie down on the ground or on a wedge. As they become comfortable in that posture, gradually progress to having them lie on a therapy ball. If a child is unable to touch the floor, support their feet to keep them stable.
To encourage your child to sit up, try hanging some of their favorite items within their reach. This will motivate them to grab and pull themselves up. Once they are sitting comfortably, guide them to move their arms and legs in various directions to develop gross motor skills such as balance, coordination, and body awareness.
If you're trying to help a child or client assume the prone position, you can experiment with different approaches. One option is propping them up on their forearms using a wedge, or having them lie directly on the floor.
If the child gets tired easily, you could try using a wedge to elevate their upper body slightly, so that their forearms can still reach the ground. Another modification involves having the child place their hands on their knees and hold the position briefly.
Ways To Motivate Your Child Or Client
One way to encourage your child or client is by using a visual aid or timer. You can make it a fun game by asking how long they think they can lay on their tummy. It's also important to get down on the floor with them while they do this activity, so they don't feel like they're doing it alone.
While interacting with them, keep an eye out for any compensatory behaviors that they may display, such as resting their head on their hand, propping their head on their elbow, or laying their head down. Check if they are experiencing any discomfort or scapular winging in that position.
Final Thoughts
I would encourage the therapist to continue with the current treatment activities for the client and gradually increase the duration of time spent in various positions. It would also be helpful to incorporate an emotional aspect so that the client can identify their feelings and preferences.
We also suggest you review the pilot study titled "Effects of Primitive Reflex Integration Exercises on Forward Head Posture Balance and Concentration in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities". This study involved ten children who have neurodevelopmental disabilities and performed primitive reflex exercises twice a week for eight weeks. Each session was 40 minutes long.
According to this study, the intervention was successful in decreasing forward head posture and enhancing balance ability among children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. In addition, the exercises led to significant improvements in their ability to concentrate while sitting and paying attention to the teacher.
In order to ensure effective progress, it is important to observe your child or client's reactions during their primitive reflex exercises. This will help you determine if any adjustments need to be made to the activity according to their individual needs.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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