Babkin & Palmar Grasp
In the Babkin Reflex stimulations of the palms cause movements of the mouth. Children with an active babkin or grasp reflex will usually have poor fine motor skills and lack the pincer grip, which is used for writing as well as poor articulation. He will also often make movements with is mouth when trying to write, draw, or cut with scissors. Adults with an unintegrated babkin & palmar grasp can develop TMJ and other tensions of the jaw. The moro reflex is found to be able to be inhibited by stimulating the Palmar Grasp reflex, which is why stress balls are effective (Goddard, 2005).
Knowing if the hand Reflexes is unintegrated
Pressing the inside of the palms, firmly, yet gently, notice if there is any movement in the fingers and / or mouth.
Exercises for Integrating the hand Reflexes
a) Monkey Bars
b) Squeeze hands and open (25 times). You can also do this with a small foam ball that fits into the palm of the hand. Have child squeeze 30 times with all fingers, including the thumb. Then squeeze the thumb and each finger individually, starting with index finger and work toward the pinky, then back toward the thumb. Here is a video clip I found of this exercise.
c) Have child squeeze your finger as tight as he can for 7 seconds and then open with fingers stretched out (6 times). He can also be sucking while squeezing and then when he opens his hands, swallow and say "ahhh with a wide open mouth."
d) Lots of heavy work with the hands and fingers, such as stiff putty.
e) Do finger tip touches, thumb tip to the tip of each individual finger. Go to the pinky and back. Try both hands at the same time. Try going in opposite directions with each hand.
f) Have child pick up items with tweezers or chopsticks.
Knowing if the hand Reflexes is unintegrated
Pressing the inside of the palms, firmly, yet gently, notice if there is any movement in the fingers and / or mouth.
Exercises for Integrating the hand Reflexes
a) Monkey Bars
b) Squeeze hands and open (25 times). You can also do this with a small foam ball that fits into the palm of the hand. Have child squeeze 30 times with all fingers, including the thumb. Then squeeze the thumb and each finger individually, starting with index finger and work toward the pinky, then back toward the thumb. Here is a video clip I found of this exercise.
c) Have child squeeze your finger as tight as he can for 7 seconds and then open with fingers stretched out (6 times). He can also be sucking while squeezing and then when he opens his hands, swallow and say "ahhh with a wide open mouth."
d) Lots of heavy work with the hands and fingers, such as stiff putty.
e) Do finger tip touches, thumb tip to the tip of each individual finger. Go to the pinky and back. Try both hands at the same time. Try going in opposite directions with each hand.
f) Have child pick up items with tweezers or chopsticks.
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Other Integration Methods
There are other ways to integrate the grasp reflex that requires special training in methods such as Blomberg's Rhythmic Movement Training (BRMT) and the Masgutova Method. Information on Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training and can be found here. If interested, you can purchase Masgutova manuals and DVD's online as well as access as instructional videos for integrating reflexes for a fee. Bonnie Brandes has developed a protocol to integrate the reflexes with use of a cold laser, which has proven to be quite promising. Information about the use of her protocol is found here and youtube videos posted by Bonnie can be found here.
Works Cited
Goddard, S. (2005). Reflexes, learning and behavior: A window into the child’s mind. Eugene: Fern Ridge Press.