Protective, righting, and equilibrium reactions

Vertical Righting Reactions age- Supine

5 mo

Vertical Righting Reaction response

orient the head to vertical when tilted in different directions

- Helps with pull to sit, chin tuck, neck extension to clear airway

Vertical righting reaction age- prone

1.5-4 mo.

suspended prone = 3-10 mo - full extension (Laudau aka airplane)

Vertical righting reaction age-held upright

2.5-6 mo.

Rotational righting reaction response & function

typical body alignment restored after rotation of body

- allows volitional rolling supine to/from prone

Rotational righting age

non-segmental rolling can occur up to 12 mo. Segmental rolling requires body righting so could be up to after 12 mo.

Parachute (protective) Response & function

- extension of arms out overhead to protect head

- for protection of head

Parachute (protective) Response age - feet first from vertical

4 mo.

Parachute (protective) Response age - Head first from ventral suspension

6-7 mo.

Protective extension (sitting) age - forward

6 mo.

Protective extension (sitting) age - lateral

8 mo.

Protective extension (sitting) age - backward

10 mo.

Protective extension (sitting) response & function

- extension of elbow & shoulder to prevent fall

- for protection of head

Prone equilibrium reaction

5-9 mo.

Supine equilibrium reaction

7-11 mo.

Sitting equilibrium reaction

7-8 mo.

Quadruped equilibrium reaction

8-12 mo.

Standing equilibrium reaction

12-21 mo.

Equilibrium reaction & function

- Counter movements of the head, neck, trunk, or extremities to displacement of the body's COM

- Allows for weight shifting & change in COM & BOS without falling & helps maintain balance