Primitive reflexes
Primitive (primary) reflexes are automatic movement programmes in babies. They are useful and support early developmental steps — from posture to protective responses.
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What is reflex integration?
A clear overview: what primitive reflexes are, what residual activity can mean — and what training looks like.
Integration during development
Over the course of development these programmes are typically integrated: voluntary movement and more mature postural control come to the fore. This is a natural process — not a competition.
What residual activity can mean
If parts remain active, they can show up in children and adults in posture, concentration, stress response or movement quality. Words like “can” are intentional: we talk about possible links, not diagnoses.
What training looks like
Reflex-integration training uses regular, specific movement exercises over weeks. In Reflex Journey these are building 4-week packages with daily guided sessions — as an exercise programme, accompanying existing care where needed.
What does research say?
There is practical experience and growing interest in reflex-integration approaches. The study base is limited, however. Reflex Journey therefore positions itself clearly as a training and support programme — not as therapy and not as a medical device.
Reflex snapshots
Moro reflex
In babies, a startle and opening response. Residual activity can be linked with heightened startle, sensory sensitivity or difficulty switching off.
Fear paralysis reflex (FLR)
An early protective response. Residual parts can be associated with tension, withdrawal under pressure or strong sensitivity to sound/touch.
Tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR)
Links head position and muscle tone. Residual activity can affect posture, balance and effort when staying still.
Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR)
In babies, head turn and arm/leg activity are coupled. Residual parts can make cross-body movements, writing or one-sided load harder.
Symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR)
Supports early transitions into quadruped. Residual activity can relate to sitting posture, concentration at a desk or coordination.
Spinal Galant
A lateral trunk response to touch. Residual parts can be associated with restlessness when sitting or sensitivity along the back.
Landau reflex
Supports extension and upright posture. Residual activity can affect posture and endurance in upright positions.
Babkin reflex
Links hand and mouth activity. Residual parts can relate to jaw tension, mouth movements while writing or oral motor skills.
Rooting / sucking reflex
Early oral search and sucking programmes. Residual parts can be associated with oral motor skills and speech clarity.
Palmar grasp reflex
Automatic grasping of the palm. Residual parts can affect pencil grip and fine motor skills.
Plantar grasp reflex
Toe responses to sole stimuli. Residual parts can affect gait or toe posture.
Babinski reflex
A sole response in infants. Residual parts can relate to foot posture or single-leg stability.
Signs that reflexes might be relevant
- Concentration drops quickly; sitting still is hardParents & children
- Always on alert, hard to switch offStress & daily life
- Balance or cross-body coordination feels awkwardSport
- Tension returns despite stretchingBody & posture
- Unclear speech despite practiceSpeech & oral motor skills
- Uncertainty on stairs or uneven groundActive ageing