Moro Reflex

Question 1

Stimulus

Answer 1

Child in supine w/head in midline, support head and shoulders before allowing head to drop back 20-30 degrees from the trunk

Question 2

Response

Answer 2

Abduction of UE and extension of elbows, wrists, and fingers

Followed by shoulder adduction, elbow flexion, and hands closed

Question 3

Onset

Answer 3

28 weeks gestation

Question 4

Integration

Answer 4

5-6 mos

Question 5

Significance

Answer 5

• Acquisition of strength against gravity

- Development of motor skills will suppress Moro movement pattern

Question 6

Activities

Answer 6

• Swaddle baby/draw arms close to body to calm down
• place child on ball w/stabilization at pelvis, roll child backward and have child reach overhead and back for toy/object to encourage voluntary reaching instead of automatic retraction