Involuntary Movement Reactions

Question 1

Righting reactions

1. Define righting reactions
2. Name the steps

Answer 1

1. The ability to dissociate and realign head and body parts.

2.

• Neck righting reactions
• Head on body righting reaction (1)
• Head on body righting reaction (2)
• Body on body righting reaction (1)
• Body on body righting reaction (2)

Question 2

Which reactions are the “first line of defence against falling?”

Answer 2

Equilibrium reactions

Question 3

Which reactions are the “second line of defence against falling?”

Answer 3

Protective reactions

Question 4

Define “static sitting balance”

Answer 4

The ability to maintain the center of gravity over the base of support while sitting unsupported.

Question 5

Define “dynamic sitting balance”

Answer 5

The ability to move your center of gravity over your base of support, and to make a new base of support, without losing your balance.

Question 6

Instructions to give patient when assessing “Static sitting balance”

Answer 6

• Look side-to-side
• Look up and down
• Lift hands up in the air

Question 7

Instructions to give patient when assessing “Dynamic sitting balance”

Answer 7

• Reach for an object in front of you.
• Reach for an object on your side.
• Reach for an object behind you.

Question 8

What to observe when assessing “static sitting balance”

Answer 8

• Appropriate trunk changes
• Exaggerated trunk movements
• Loss of balance
• Use of protective extension reactions

Question 9

What to observe when assessing “dynamic sitting balance”

Answer 9

• Appropriate trunk changes
• Exaggerated trunk movements
• Loss of balance
• Use of protective extension reactions
• Reluctance to find new center of gravity outside the base of support.
• Inability to make a new base of support.

Question 10

Define “motor control”

Answer 10

The ability to direct and regulate the musculoskeletal system in purposeful activity.

Question 11

Name the stages of Brunnstorm for the arm

Answer 11

1. No spasticity, no reflexes, no movement.
2. Spasticity begins to increase; associated reactions present.
3. Limb moves in a synergy.
4. Patient is able to perform the following movements: hand behind back, shoulder flexion, pronation and supination with elbow flexed.
5. Patient is able to perform the following movements: pronation and supination with elbow extension, shoulder abduction, arm is placed over the head.
6. Normal tendon reflexes

Question 12

Name the Brunnstorm stages for the hand

Answer 12

1. No movement, no reflexes, flaccid
2. Spasticity begins to develop, tendon reflexes are present, associated reactions are present.
3. Hands move in a synergy.
4. Finger extension, lateral prehension (hold a paper)
5. Cylindrical grasph; palmar prehension (hold a pencil)
6. Spherical grasp