The impact of reflex creeping in Vojta therapy on locomotion and postural control

Abstract

Vojta therapy is an intervention method mainly applied to infants at risk of cerebral palsy, and many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Vojta therapy. This review describes the concept and method of reflex creeping in Vojta therapy. Additionally, this focuses on the mechanisms through which brainstem activation via reflex creeping affects locomotion and postural control. Proprioception stimulus input during reflex creeping in Vojta therapy affects the pontomedullary reticular formation of the brainstem and eventually affects the activation of the central pattern generator and propriospinal neurons through the reticulospinal tract. It can also induce antigravity movements through the lateral vestibulospinal tract. Reflex creeping in Vojta therapy is an intervention that unconsciously improves locomotion and postural control. The proprioception through the reflex creeping in Vojta therapy can improve posture and locomotion by activating the pontomedullary reticular formation of the brainstem.

Keywords

• locomotion
• vojta therapy
• postural control
• pontomedullary reticular formation
• vestibular nuclei