Traction Reflex

Question 1

Stimulus

Answer 1

Supine w/head in midline, grasp child’s forearms and pull to sitting position, stretching shoulder adductors/arm flexors

Question 2

Response

Answer 2

Flexion of shoulders, elbows, wrists, and fingers

Question 3

Onset

Answer 3

28 weeks gestation

Question 4

Integration

Answer 4

2-5 mos

Question 5

Significance

Answer 5

• Easily obtainable in neonate
• Allows infant to hold rattle when placed
• Primitive reflex enabling child to hold onto the mother when being pulled
• Traction helps stabilize the head before the child has voluntary head control
• Persistence may inhibit voluntary reach/grasp

Question 6

Activities

Answer 6

• Place baby in supine, mobile above w/toys dangling down toward the child, then the child will voluntarily reach/grasp for toys and pull if desired, eventually activating abdominals to pull up as the child develops core strength
• Have child reach forward while lying in supine to grasp for a toy voluntarily