Integration of the plantar grasp reflex as an indicator of ambulation potential in developmentally disabled infants.
The integration or lack of integration of the plantar grasp reflex, as tested in supported standing, was investigated in 26 developmentally disabled infants and was related to the attainment of independent ambulation without assistive devices. All infants who displayed integration of the plantar grasp reflex later developed independent ambulation. Thirteen infants did not display integration of the reflex during three to five years of follow-up. Of those 13 infants, only 1 achieved independent ambulation. This preliminary clinical investigation provides evidence of the prognostic value of the presence or absence of the plantar grasp reflex as an indicator of ambulation potential in developmentally disabled infants.
D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008124:Locomotion; D008297:Male; D012018:Reflex; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000503:physiopathology