Postural Reactivity Definition: A Key to Understanding Motor Development

The concept of postural reactivity is a fundamental aspect of understanding how our bodies develop and respond to various stimuli. In this article, we will delve into the definition of postural reactivity, its significance in motor development, and how it shapes our overall movement patterns.

At around 18 weeks in utero, a primitive reflex called ĪTNR (Innate Tonic Neck Reflex) begins to emerge, peaking between 1-4 months of age and disappearing by 3-9 months after birth. This reflex is characterized by the antagonistic actions of the labyrinth reflex, which opposes the neck reflexes that cause upright trunk posture and stabilizing action to extremities. In other words, ĪTNR helps maintain balance and stability while moving.

Primitive reflexes like ĪTNR are not isolated events; they often work in tandem with other reflexes to produce a desired movement. This phenomenon is known as 'reflex recruitment,' allowing for more efficient motor actions despite stress or resistance. For example, the asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR) helps athletes like tennis players and fencers generate greater upper-arm strength during resisted movements.

In addition to their role in athletic performance, primitive reflexes also influence behavior and learning in healthy children and adults. As these reflexes integrate and mature, they enable the development of more natural, spontaneous, and efficient sensory processing, internal postural control, and voluntary motor skills. This process is crucial for acquiring goal-directed movements against gravity.

The integration of primitive reflexes is a gradual process that occurs during physiological maturation, fine-tuning of the nervous system, and increasing environmental influences and demands. As infants develop, these reflexes are replaced by higher-level righting, support, and protective postural reactions.

In conclusion, postural reactivity plays a vital role in understanding motor development and its impact on our behavior and learning. By recognizing the significance of primitive reflexes like ĪTNR, we can better appreciate how our bodies adapt to changing environments and demands, ultimately shaping our movement patterns and overall well-being.

Postural reactivity definition