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Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex- STNR

Not too long ago I posted a very short clip of one position of STNR on YouTube. Someone commented that it was "wrong". It shows the "Child's Pose" position of STNR. It is true that this pose is not the first pose in the development of STNR, but it is one stage along the way. Some experts don't even acknowledge STNR and instead consider all the phases to be parts of Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) or may even call it Tonic Neck Reflex (TNR). This arguement shows how sticky it can be to divide a holistic, developmental movement into parts to begin with. (Applause is heard from Judith Bluestone watching from above and Bonnie Bainbridge-Cohen in the East.) However, there can be really good reasons to looks at the developmental pieces of STNR if you remember in the end that it is a developmental sequence.


I divide STNR in my own way. (Those of you who know me are not surprised, I am sure.) Catherine Burns has helped me, as have many others. I label Low STNR when the baby is no longer in flexion when lying on the stomach and therefore can straighten the legs and bend the arms as the head is lifted. So much is accomplished in the position! Yeah for tummy time! The vestibular and visual systems are developed together and the colliculi of the midbrain are activated.
As the baby strengthens and the arms are straightened, the legs bend and the head flexes. This is in the form of "Child's Pose" of Yoga fame. This is a relaxation to the vestibular and organ systems. Many children sleep in this position. As the baby draws the straightened arms toward the core, the baby is pushed onto the haunches in the "Sitting Cat" position. Walking the hands forward, the baby is in the "Table" position or on hands and knees. Next comes the rhythmic rocking on hands and knees, in preparation for crawling.

Throughout as these positions of STNR continue to develop, the cortex is taking control through the motor cortex. As this is mastered, the pattern is purposely broken in the "Cobra" and "Teeter Totter" position, among others.

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