Neuro-physiological training for children with motor difficulties

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether training aimed at inhibiting primitive reflexes in children, may have an influence on their motor skills. The training method is The INPP Method, developed by The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology. Methods: The design is quasi-experimental were Neuro-Developmental Diagnostic Assessment and Movement Assessment Battery for Children were used to collect quantitative data from 87 children (aged 5-16) before and after intervention. All the participants showed traces of primitive reflexes prior to the tests. To analyze the data, Paired Samples T-test and Wilcoxon Matched-pairs Signed-rank test were used. Results: The results showed a significant improvement of the reflex status. Upon completion of training aimed at inhibiting primitive reflexes, their motor skills were also significantly improved. Conclusions: This study indicates that primitive reflexes can be inhibited using the INPP-method and this can create improvement in their motor skills. Because of weak validity of the study, the results have to be interpreted carefully.

Keywords

• motor difficulties
• neuro-motor immaturity
• primitive reflexes
• reflex inhibition