Developmental Reflexes (Stimulus, Response, Integration, Purpose) Flashcards
For each reflex, describe the stimulus, response, integration, and purpose.
Babinski Reflex
Stimulus: with baby in supine, stroke the sole of the foot firmly moving from lateral to medial
Response: foot turns in and toes spread
Integration: 24-32 weeks gestation through 6-9 months
Purpose: can indicate CNS challenge or delayed nervous system maturation
Rooting Reflex
Stimulus: tactile input to the check with finger or nipple
Response: orientation of mouth toward stimulus, mouth opens
Integration: 28 weeks gestation to 3 months
Purpose: find food source for nourishment
Galant Reflex
Stimulus: with baby in prone, tactile stimulation to paraspinal muscles one side at a time
Response: lateral curve of trunk with concavity toward the stimulated side
Integration: 32 weeks gestation to 2 months
Purpose: help baby move through birth canal
Palmar Grasp Reflex
Stimulus: apply firm pressure to palmar surface of hand below fingers
Response: flexion of all fingers on stimulated side around the point of pressure
Integration: 0-2 months to 4-6 months
Purpose: learn surroundings through sensory input, early strengthening of hands/finger which lead to more refined motor skills
Plantar Grasp Reflex
Stimulus: firm pressure to plantar surface at the base of the toes
Response: flexion of all the toes on the stimulated foot
Integration: 28 weeks gestation to 9 months
Purpose: sensory input, prepare for weight-bearing, strengthen intrinsic foot muscles
Plantar Placing Reflex
Stimulus: holding baby vertically, move child to underside of surface to apply pressure to the dorsum of the foot
Response: LE flexion followed by LE extension onto surface or LE flexion/withdrawal from stimulus
Integration: 35 weeks gestation to 1-2 months
Purpose: early proprioceptive and tactile awareness, contributes to the development of intentional weight bearing and walking
Palmar Placing Reflex
Stimulus: holding baby vertically, move child to underside of surface to apply pressure to dorsum of the hand
Response: UE flexion followed by UE extension to place palm onto surface
Integration: 35 weeks gestation to 1-2 months
Purpose: early proprioceptive and tactile information, contributes to development of intentionally reaching and interacting with objects
Moro Reflex
Stimulus: semi-reclined position, sudden movement of support surface or sudden noise (startle)
Response: abduction, extension, ER of arms and extension and abduction of fingers followed by flexion toward midline
Integration: birth to 4-5 months
Purpose: symmetrical response indicates intact CNS, survival instinct alert to danger
Parachute/Downward Protective Extension Reflex
Stimulus: holding baby vertically, move feet suddenly toward support surface
Response: LEs extend and slightly abduct to contact surface and support body weight
Integration: 4-6 months and remains throughout life
Purpose: allows accurate placement of LEs in anticipation of weightbearing, leads to LE coordination, stimulates vestibular system
Parachute/Forward Protective Extension Reflex
Stimulus: prone with arms overhead, tip infant forward suddenly
Response: immediate extension of arms with abduction and extension of fingers
Integration: 6 months and remains throughout life
Purpose: protective response to protect head in a fall, leads to UE coordination, stimulation of vestibular system to aid balance
Flexor Withdrawal Reflex
Stimulus: baby in supine, stimulate sole of the foot
Response: uncontrolled flexion of stimulated leg
Integration: up to 2 months
Purpose: rapid response to painful stimuli to protect/reduce risk of injury, forms early association and understanding of pain
Crossed-Extension Reflex
Stimulus 1: baby supine with one LE flexed and the other extended, then flex the extended leg
Stimulus 2: baby in supine, both LEs are extended, stimulate the medial surface of one leg by stroking or tapping
Response 1: opposite LE moves from flexion to extension
Response 2: opposite LE adducts, internally rotates and ankle plantarflexes
Integration: up to 2 months
Purpose: early preparation for standing (one leg must remain extended to maintain position)
Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
Stimulus: baby supine or quadruped, turn head to one side
Response: extension of UE, trunk, and LE on the face side and flexion of UE, trunk, and LE on the skull side
Integration: up to 4-6 months
Purpose: teaches about right and left, assists in early rolling
Symmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR)
Stimulus: quadruped or suspended prone, either flexion or extension of the baby’s head
Response: if head was flexed, UEs and trunk will flex and LEs with extend, if head was extended, UEs and trunk will extend and LEs will flex
Integration: up to 4-6 months
Purpose: teaches about top and bottom aspects of the body, may assist in early rolling and transitions from prone to quadruped
Tonic Labyrinth Reflex in Supine
Stimulus: supine positioning
Response: examiner passively flexes LEs and UEs off the support surface and feels resistance due to dominating extensor tone
Integration: up to 4-6 months
Purpose: allows full contact with support surface when they lack motor control, teaches about posterior aspect of the body
