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A prospective study of three postural reactions
Insights
The Landau reflex emerges in infants after the tonic labyrinthine response and symmetrical tonic neck reflex, indicating its role as an early righting reflex. This study tracked 149 infants from birth to two years.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
Background:
- Postural reactions are crucial for infant development.
- Understanding the emergence of reflexes aids in assessing neurodevelopmental milestones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental timeline of postural reactions in infants.
- To examine the relationship between the Landau reflex, tonic labyrinthine response, and symmetrical tonic neck reflex.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 149 normal infants from birth to 2 years.
- Observation and assessment of specific reflexes in the prone position.
- Data collection on reflex presence and prevalence over time.
Main Results:
- Landau reflex prevalence increased from 44% at 2 months to 95% at 4 months.
- Tonic labyrinthine response (grades 2-4) was present in 80% at 2 weeks, diminishing by 24 months.
- Symmetrical tonic neck reflex prevalence was below 30%, peaking at 4-6 months.
Conclusions:
- The Landau reflex appears to be an early righting reflex.
- Its emergence is independent of and follows the tonic labyrinthine response and symmetrical tonic neck reflex.
- Findings support a specific developmental sequence for these key infant reflexes.
Abstract:
In order to assess the evolution of postural reactions in the prone position, a group of 149 normal infants were followed from birth to two years of age. The Landau reflex was present in 44 per cent of two-month-old infants, and in 95 per cent at four months. The tonic labyrinthine response (grades 2 to 4) was seen in 80 per cent of infants at two weeks, with a marked diminution by the age of 24 months. In contrast, the symmetrical tonic neck reflex was detected in fewer than 30 per cent of the infants: the maximum prevalence was at four to six months of age. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the Landau is an early righting reflex which emerges after, and is independent of, the tonic labyrinthine response in prone and the symmetrical tonic neck reflex.