Neonatal Body Righting

Question 1

Stimulus

Answer 1

Supine w/head in midline and extremities extended. Flex one leg/rotate leg across the body rolling the baby over

Question 2

Response

Answer 2

Child’s thorax, chest, and head will follow the direction of the pelvis and roll toward that side without segmental rotation

Evolves into BOB reflex

Question 3

Onset

Answer 3

34 weeks gestation

Question 4

Integration

Answer 4

4-5 months

Question 5

Significance

Answer 5

• Allow child to roll supine to side and side to supine
• Asymmetry is not normal
• Persistence interferes w/development of segmental rolling/acquisition of other developmental milestones that require rotation

Question 6

Activities

Answer 6

• Place baby in supine and shake toy out to side closer to legs while gently holding down chest/shoulders to stimulate the pelvis/legs to roll/turn towards the toy to facilitate segmental roll, repeat on other side too
• Use NDT to facilitate passive/active motion