Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)
Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) is the response to the change of the position of the head when bent forward or backward in mid-plane (Goddard, 2005), and are influenced by the labryinths of the vestibular system (Oden, 2004). When this reflex is not integrated, children will have difficulty judging space, distance, depth an speed. They may be seen as walking on their toes after 3 ½, have floppy or tight muscle tone, and experience motion sickness (Goddard, 2005). They will also have difficulty lifting up their head from a supine (back-lying) position. They also can have a hunched posture and can have low muscle tone with over-flexible joints. Their eye muscles will generally not be working efficiently and will experience coordination challenges, and thus will generally not like participating in sports. It is highly probable that children with TLR have other retained reflexes as well, such as the Moro, which may make it hard to integrate the TLR until it has been addressed (Blomberg & Dempsey, 2011).
Knowing if the TLR is unintegrated
To test this reflex, have the child stand straight with his feet together. Have him close his eyes and then look in the upward position for several seconds and then in the downward position. Make sure that you have your hands ready to catch the child in case he falls. Notice any swaying or movement, locked knees or holding of breath when head is tilted either up or down, all which are indicators of a retained TLR. If the child mildly sways in any direction (looking up, down, or straight) then it is more likely that there is a problem with their foot reflexes than with the TLR.
Exercises to Integrate the TLR
While lying on his back, have the child curl up into a ball, with his head tucked in and arms around his knees. Hold the position for about 10 seconds and then open all the way out and lay flat on the floor. Repeat 6 times. Children may need assistance as they might roll onto their side or not be able to lift their head.
Other Integration Methods
There are other ways to integrate the TLR reflex that requires special training in methods such as Blomberg's Rhythmic Movment 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
Blomberg, H. & M. Dempsey. (2011). Movements that Heal. Queensland: Book pal.
Goddard, S. (2005). Reflexes, learning and behavior: A window into the child’s mind. Eugene: Fern Ridge Press.
Oden, A. (2004). Ready Bodies Learning Minds.
Knowing if the TLR is unintegrated
To test this reflex, have the child stand straight with his feet together. Have him close his eyes and then look in the upward position for several seconds and then in the downward position. Make sure that you have your hands ready to catch the child in case he falls. Notice any swaying or movement, locked knees or holding of breath when head is tilted either up or down, all which are indicators of a retained TLR. If the child mildly sways in any direction (looking up, down, or straight) then it is more likely that there is a problem with their foot reflexes than with the TLR.
Exercises to Integrate the TLR
While lying on his back, have the child curl up into a ball, with his head tucked in and arms around his knees. Hold the position for about 10 seconds and then open all the way out and lay flat on the floor. Repeat 6 times. Children may need assistance as they might roll onto their side or not be able to lift their head.
Other Integration Methods
There are other ways to integrate the TLR reflex that requires special training in methods such as Blomberg's Rhythmic Movment 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
Blomberg, H. & M. Dempsey. (2011). Movements that Heal. Queensland: Book pal.
Goddard, S. (2005). Reflexes, learning and behavior: A window into the child’s mind. Eugene: Fern Ridge Press.
Oden, A. (2004). Ready Bodies Learning Minds.