Maturation of cutaneous reflex responses recorded in the lower limb in man

Cutaneous reflex responses from tibialis anterior muscle following electrical stimulation were recorded for 39 normal children between the ages of one and 16 years. In the first year of life stimulation produces a monophasic excitatory reflex response at short latency; in the second year it produces long- as well as short-latency increases in activity. Maturation of reflex function continues during the school years, with progressive emphasis on long- rather than short-latency components. These results are discussed in relation to mechanisms underlying the acquisition of motor skills during childhood.