Primitive Reflexes — Palmar, Plantar, Rooting

What are the stimulus, response, and normal age of the palmar grasp reflex?

• Stimulus:

  • Pressure in palm on ulnar side

• Response:

  • Finger flexion

  • Strong grasp

• Normal age:

  • Birth to 4 months

What can persistent palmar grasp interfere with?

• Voluntary grasp

• Voluntary release

• Open-hand weight bearing

• Propping

• Crawling

• Protective reactions

What are the stimulus, response, and normal age of the plantar grasp reflex?

• Stimulus:

  • Pressure at base of toes

• Response:

  • Toe flexion

• Normal age:

  • 28 weeks gestation to 9 months

What can persistent plantar grasp interfere with?

• Standing with feet flat

• Weight shifting in standing

• Balance reactions

• Normal foot loading

What are the stimulus, response, and normal age of the rooting reflex?

• Stimulus:

  • Touch cheek

• Response:

  • Head turns toward stimulated side

  • Mouth opens

• Normal age:

  • 28 weeks gestation to 3 months

What can persistent rooting interfere with?

• Oral-motor development

• Midline head control

• Visual tracking

• Optical righting

• Social interaction