Primitive Reflex Activity in Relation to Motor Skills in Healthy Preschool Children

Abstract

Psychomotor development in the first year of life is possible due to activity and then integration of primitive (neonatal) reflexes. The presence of active primitive reflexes (APRs) in preschool and school-aged children indicates neuromotor immaturity. Studies show dependencies between the preserved activity of primary reflexes and developmental problems such as learning difficulties (problems with reading, writing, reduced mathematics skills, and dyslexia), difficulties with coordination, and attention deficit. The primary purpose of this study is to present the activity of three tonic reflexes in a sample of 112 Polish children aged 4–6 in relation to their motor skills. The children were examined for the presence of the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR), symmetric tonic neck reflex (STNR), and tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR). Motor performance was examined with the MOT 4–6. Statistical analysis shows an inverse correlation between the score in the test of reflexes and motor efficiency (MOT 4–6) at p < 0.05 (−0.33). Children with increased reflex activity presented a lower level of motor efficiency. The multiple regression model showed that with the older age of the child and the decrease in the level of reflex activity, the motor skills of children improve. Thus, there is a need for early screening of primitive reflexes in children. Properly selected exercises and therapeutic activities aimed at integrating APRs in children with developmental difficulties can improve their motor skills, perceptual abilities, and emotional behavior.

Retained Primitive Reflexes and Potential for Intervention in Autistic Spectrum Disorders

“…Similar comorbidities have been found in children with ADHD ( 72 , 163 , 176 – 180 ) and those with developmental dyslexia ( 4 , 181 – 186 ).…”

“…For various functions to bind together, all associated brain regions that control complex functions and their networks must be activated simultaneously. This coordination is a byproduct of maturity ( 4 , 21 , 43 ).…”

“…It has also been documented that in children, adolescents, and adults with RPRs, a neurobehavioral disorder or “learning disability” coexists ( 4 , 26 , 27 ). Individuals with ADHD, ( 25 ) autism, ( 28 ) Tourette's, ( 29 ) dyslexia ( 30 ), or other neurobehavioral disorders, frequently demonstrate RPRs that are thought to be related to maturational delay in the nervous system ( 3 , 31 – 34 ).…”

“…Primitive or infantile reflexes are sensory/motor reflexes that are present at birth. Most of these reflexes are present in the womb ( 2 ), and one of their functions is to help the child “birth itself.” The primary function of primitive reflexes is to allow the infant to move and react to their environment leading to the maturation of the motor system ( 3 , 4 ). Children need to move, feed, protect, and orient to engage their senses and muscles and create sensory and motor feedback that will activate genes allowing the brain to be built from the bottom up ( 3 – 5 ).…”

“…The Babinski sign (i.e., plantar response) and grasp reflex are two reflexes that are clinically accepted as indicators of central nervous system disease or disorder. Some of the arguments may be accounted for by differences in opinion and interpretation of the reflexes, which can vary significantly from clinician to clinician ( 4 , 26 , 81 – 83 ).…”