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The diving reflex in healthy infants in the first year of life

Fleming S Pedroso1, Rudimar S Riesgo, Tanira Gatiboni

  • 1Department of Research of Methodist University Center, IPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil. flep@terra.com.br

Journal of Child Neurology
|September 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The diving reflex, a change in respiratory rate, is common in infants. This reflex, triggered by air on the face, occurs in nearly all newborns and persists through the first year of life.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric physiology
  • Neonatal adaptation
  • Respiratory control

Background:

  • The diving reflex is a physiological response observed in mammals, including humans.
  • Understanding its prevalence in infants is crucial for assessing normal development and potential neurological function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of the diving reflex in healthy infants during their first year of life.
  • To standardize the methodology for observing and describing the diving reflex in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 33 healthy infants.
  • Regular evaluations from birth to 12 months, including specific time points (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12 months).
  • Stimulation via air blown over the face to elicit the diving reflex.

Main Results:

  • The diving reflex was observed in 95.3% of newborns.
  • It was present in 100% of infants aged 2 to 6 months.
  • The reflex persisted in 90% of infants up to 12 months of age, though it began to decrease after 6 months.

Conclusions:

  • The diving reflex is highly prevalent in infants during the first year of life.
  • The reflex can be reliably elicited using facial air-flow stimulation, especially during crying.
  • Findings support the diving reflex as a common and persistent physiological response in early infancy.

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