Balance Reactions: Developing Postural Control

Question 1

What does the head righting reaction (labyrinthine) do to help the baby?

Answer 1

Secures head in space; keeps mouth horizontal; happens all in plane; perturbations are slight

Question 2

Equilibrium reactions are helpful how?

Answer 2

Secures body in space; total body response to stay upright; perturbations are moderate

Question 3

What is the difference in a titling reactions vs. an equilibrium reaction?

Answer 3

Tilting reactions moderately perturb the surface while the equilibrium reactions moderately perturb the child.

Question 4

What is protective extension used for?

Answer 4

Responsible for regaining balance when Center of Mass has been pushed beyond the borders of BoS; automatic reaction of extension and ABD on an extremity into WB; perturbations are extreme.

Question 5

The progression of balance is?

Answer 5

Each reaction is interdependent of the other during development and mastering reactions are in successive postures (prone to standing)