The Relationship Between Motor Skills and Primitive Reflexes in Children with Special Needs

Abstract

Objective

This study investigates the relationship between the persistence of primitive reflexes and motor skill development in children with and without developmental disabilities.

Materials and Methods

A total of 32 children aged 4–6 years (16 with developmental disabilities and 16 typically developing) were included. Seven primitive reflexes Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex Right/Left, Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex Flexion/Extension, Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex Flexion/Extension, and the Moro Reflex-were assessed through standardized protocols. Motor skills including balance, locomotor skills ability, object control and fine motor skills coordination were evaluated using the MOT 4-6 test. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis.

Results

Children with Special Needs demonstrated significantly higher levels of primitive reflex activity and lower motor skill scores compared to typically developing peers. A strong negative correlation was found between reflex persistence and overall motor skill performance (r=–0.67, p<0.01), particularly in the balance and fine motor skills domains.

Conclusions

The persistence of primitive reflexes appears to hinder neuromotor development, emphasizing the need for early screening and interventions to promote reflex integration that promote reflex integration and motor functioning in children with developmental delays.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund und Ziel

Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, den Zusammenhang zwischen der Persistenz primitiver Reflexe und der Entwicklung motorischer Fähigkeiten bei Kindern mit und ohne Entwicklungsstörungen zu untersuchen.

Material und Methode

Insgesamt wurden 32 Kinder im Alter von 4 bis 6 Jahren (16 mit Entwicklungsstörungen und 16 mit normaler Entwicklung) in die Studie aufgenommen. Mithilfe standardisierter Protokolle wurden sieben frühkindliche Reflexe geprüft: der asymmetrische tonische Nackenreflex (ATNR) rechts/links, der symmetrische tonische Nackenreflex (STNR) Beugung/Streckung, der tonische Labyrinthreflex (TLR) Beugung/Streckung und der Moro-Reflex. Motorische Fähigkeiten wie Gleichgewicht, Bewegungsfähigkeit, Objektkontrolle und Feinmotorik wurden mit dem MOT 4-6-Test erfasst. Die Datenanalyse erfolgte unter Verwendung unabhängiger t-Tests, Pearson-Korrelation und multipler Regressionsanalyse.

Ergebnisse

Kinder mit Entwicklungsstörungen zeigten im Vergleich zu normal entwickelten Gleichaltrigen deutlich stärker ausgeprägte primitive Reflexe und geringere motorische Fähigkeiten. Es fand sich eine starke negative Korrelation zwischen der Persistenz frühkindlicher Reflexe und der motorischen Fähigkeiten insgesamt (r=−0.67, p<0,01), insbesondere in den Bereichen Gleichgewicht und Feinmotorik.

Schlussfolgerung

Das Fortbestehen primitiver Reflexe scheint die neuromotorische Entwicklung zu behindern. Daher sind Früherkennung und frühzeitige Maßnahmen zur Förderung von Reflexintegration und motorischen Fähigkeiten bei Kindern mit Entwicklungsverzögerungen dringend angeraten.

Keywords

early rehabilitation - functional disturbances of the locomotor system - muscle functional diagnosis - neuromotor functions

Schlüsselwörter

neuro-muskuläre Erkrankungen - Motorik - funktionale Gesundheit - Frührehabilitation

Publication History

Received: 26 May 2025

Accepted after revision: 09 January 2026

Article published online:
13 February 2026

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