Prevalence of Active Primitive Reflexes and Craniosacral Blocks in Apparently Healthy Children and Relationships with Neurodevelopment Disturbances

Background: In healthy children, the frequency of the anomalous persistence of primitive reflexes (PRs) and craniosacral blocks (CBs) is unknown, as well as their impact on neurodevelopment, behaviour disorders and related consequences. We aim to know the prevalence of anomalous PRs and CBs in apparently healthy children and their relationships with behavior and neurodevelopment anomalies. Methods: Participants (n = 120) were evaluated via a physical examination to detect PRs and CBs and an ad hoc parent survey to collect perinatal events, and children's behavioral assessments were conducted by teachers using the Battelle score. Results: PRs were present in 89.5%. Moro (70.8%), cervical asymmetric (78.3%) and cervical symmetric PRs (67.5%) were the most frequently observed PRs. CBs were found in 83.2%, and the most frequent CBs were dura mater (77.5%) and sphenoid bone (70%) blocks. Moro, cervical asymmetric and cervical symmetric active primitive reflexes were significantly associated with cranial blocks of dura mater, parietal zones and sphenoid bone sway. Gestational disorders or perinatal complications were associated with a higher frequency of PRs and CBs. The presence of PRs and CBs was associated with abnormal Battelle scores and neurobehavioral problems. Conclusion: The presence of PRs and CBs in children without diagnosed diseases is frequent and related to disturbances in childhood neurodevelopment.

Automated summary

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of anomalous persistence of primitive reflexes (PRs) and craniosacral blocks (CBs) in healthy children and their impact on neurodevelopment and behavioral disorders. The results indicate that PRs and CBs are common in healthy children and are associated with disturbances in childhood neurodevelopment.