30/12/2024
Primitive reflexes (PRs), mediated by the brainstem, are responsible for complex movement patterns critical for survival in the first year of life. Retention of PRs in individuals can contribute to difficulty with visual tracking, balance, motion intolerance, concentration, and coordination.
PR therapy effectiveness has been demonstrated and is used in early intervention for children with cerebral palsy, behavior disorders, or reading difficulties.
PR re-emergence has been identified in pyramidal tract disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s due to cortical damage of white matter in the frontal lobe causing disturbances to the inhibitory tracts from the prefrontal cortex, specifically the orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Research in early intervention suggests retention of moro reflex, symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR), asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR), tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR), and spinal galant reflex contributes to difficulties with coordination, balance, concentration, visual tracking, reading, and writing.
Table and excerpt adapted from: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1932&context=ijahsp
