Lesson Motoric System

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements in babies, controlled by the brainstem, that typically integrate or disappear as the nervous system matures

These reflexes are important for early survival and development, and their presence and integration can indicate the health of the central nervous system. Examples include the Moro reflex, ATNR, TLR, and others. 

Key Points about Primitive Reflexes:

• Early Development:

  Primitive reflexes are present at birth or develop shortly after and are crucial for early feeding, movement, and protection. 

• Integration:

  As the baby's brain matures, these reflexes should gradually integrate, meaning they become less prominent and are replaced by voluntary, controlled movements. 

• Assessment:

  Doctors and therapists often use primitive reflexes to assess the baby's neurological development. 

• Retained Reflexes:

  If primitive reflexes persist beyond the typical timeframe, it could indicate developmental delays or other neurological issues. 

Examples of Primitive Reflexes:

• Moro Reflex:

  A startle response where the baby extends their arms and legs, then pulls them back in, often accompanied by crying. 

• Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR):

  When the baby's head is turned to one side, the arm and leg on that side extend, while the opposite limbs flex (like a fencer's pose). 

• Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR):

  Related to balance and coordination, this reflex affects muscle tone in response to head position. 

• Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR):

  When the baby's head is flexed (tilted down), the arms flex and legs extend, and vice versa. 

• Spinal Galant Reflex:

  A stroking of the baby's back causes the hips to curve towards the stimulated side, aiding in crawling. 

• Palmar Grasp Reflex:

  The baby's hand closes around anything that touches the palm. 

• Rooting and Sucking Reflexes:

  Essential for feeding, these reflexes help the baby find the nipple and begin sucking. 

• Stepping Reflex:

  When held upright with feet touching a surface, the baby will make stepping motions. 

• Plantar Grasp Reflex:

  Similar to the palmar grasp, but on the foot, with the toes curling down when the sole is touched. 

Why Integration Matters:

• Improved Motor Skills:

  Integration allows for the development of more refined and voluntary movements, like reaching, grasping, crawling, and walking. 

• Enhanced Coordination:

  As reflexes integrate, coordination improves, allowing for smoother and more controlled movements. 

• Better Sensory Processing:

  Proper reflex integration is linked to better sensory processing, which can impact a child's ability to learn, regulate emotions, and interact with the environment. 

• Reduced Risk of Learning and Behavioral Issues:

  Retained primitive reflexes have been associated with learning difficulties, attention problems, and behavioral challenges. 

  A baby's motor system development progresses from reflexes to more complex movements like rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. This development follows a cephalocaudal (head-down) and proximodistal (center-out) pattern. 

  Early Reflexes:

  • Rooting and sucking reflexes:

    These are crucial for feeding and disappear as the baby's nervous system matures. 

  • Startles (Moro reflex):

    These are whole-body movements in response to a sudden stimulus and gradually decrease as the baby gets older. 

  Gross Motor Skills (Large Muscle Movements):

  • Head control:

    Babies first gain control of their head, usually around 2 months. 

  • Rolling over:

    Most babies roll from tummy to back and back to tummy between 3 and 6 months. 

  • Sitting:

    Babies typically sit with support around 6 months and can sit independently around 7-9 months. 

  • Crawling:

    Crawling usually starts around 7-10 months, though the exact timing varies. 

  • Pulling up to stand:

    Babies pull themselves to a standing position using furniture or other supports around 8-10 months. 

  • Walking:

    Most babies start walking independently between 10-15 months, but some may walk earlier or later. 

  • Fine Motor Skills (Small Muscle Movements):

    • Grasping:

      Babies first grasp objects with their whole hand, then develop a pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) for picking up small objects. 

    • Reaching and manipulating objects:

      Babies learn to reach for and grasp objects, and they enjoy exploring objects with their hands and mouth. 

    • Using tools:

      Fine motor skills are refined through activities like playing with playdough, using crayons, and manipulating small objects. 

    Developmental Milestones:

    • 9-12 months:

      Babies start to stand alone, cruise (walk while holding onto furniture), and may start taking independent steps.

    • 12-18 months:

      Babies gain more confidence and coordination in walking, and their fine motor skills continue to develop. 

    Factors Influencing Motor Development:

    • Maturation of the nervous system:

      The brain and nervous system play a crucial role in coordinating movements. 

    • Muscle strength and coordination:

      Babies need to develop muscle strength and coordination to perform various movements. 

    • Opportunities for practice:

      Providing a safe and stimulating environment where babies can explore and practice their motor skills is essential. 

    • Individual variation:

      The timing of motor development varies from child to child.