Question

Describe an exercise/activity you would recommend to promote integration of each of these reflexes: ATNR-

STNR-

Moro-

Spinal Galant

Answer 1

Question: Describe an exercise/activity you would recommend to promote integration of each of these reflexes: ATNR- STNR- Moro- Spinal Galant.

Answer:

ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex):

The asymmetrical tonic neck reflex is elicited by a sideways turning of the head. As the head is turned, the arm and leg on the same side will extend, while the opposite limbs bend. The reflex should be inhibited by six months of age in the waking state.If this persists, it will interfere with development of fine and gross motor skills especially those that are symmetrical and cross the midline,

Integration Activity: It can be achieved through activities over a roller or leaning over the edge of the bed, requiring the child to support their body weight with their arms while working. OR Playing on all fours or crawling on the floor while looking at surrounding stimuli is also a good way to integrate the ATNR.

STNR ( Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex):

This reflex is demonstrated when head flexes, the arms flex and the legs extend. Conversely , when head extends, the arms extend and the legs flex. If it persists, the child will have poor eye / hand cordination, difficulty with copying tasks and poor balance.

Integration Activity: It can be done activities like placing the child in a crawling position with hands directly under the shoulders, have child look straight ahead, lean forward and hold for a count of 7 seconds while exhaling and then resume to the resting position.

The Moro Reflex:

This is a normal reflex for an infant when he or she is started or feels like they are falling. The infant will have a 'startled' look and the arms will fling out sideways with the palms up and thumbs flexed. Since it is an alarm reflex if it is not integrated, it will become an uncontrollable over reaction. It also over stimulates the fight or flight response leading to hypersensitivity to sensory stimulus.

Integration Activity: Keep the child sit in a chair in a fetal position, with the right wrist crossed over the left and the right ankle crossed over the left ankle. Fists should be closed. Ask child to inhale and make like a starfish by swinging his/her arms up and out and thrusting his/her legs out while extending the head back and opening hands. Have him/her hold this position for 5 to 7 seconds. Then tell him/her to exhale and return to the same position, crossing the left wrist and ankle over the right wrist and ankle. Repeat this again until they are back to the original.

Spinal Galant Reflex:

This reflex is elicited by touching the sides of the child's spine. This will cause the child to rotate their hip to the side that has been touched. If this reflex persist, it may cause bedwetting, fatigue, attention difficulties, short term memmory, hyperactivity.

Integration Activity: Place the  child lie face-up on a flat surface with legs extended and arms at the sides. Have him/her breathe in and simultaneously spread legs outward and raise arms out along the floor and overhead, with the hands touching. The hands should touch at the same time the legs are fully extended. Exhale and return to the original position. The key is to get the child to move all four limbs slowly at the same time.