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In this enlightening episode of "All About Movement," Michelle Turner, creator of Movement Lesson, delves into her pioneering work on Gravitational Primitive Reflexes in infants. Michelle, the founder of Movement Lesson™ LLC, introduces listeners to the foundational concepts behind these reflexes, which are automatic responses triggered by the non-optional force of gravity, critical for optimal development.
- Introduction to Gravitational Primitive Reflexes: Michelle explains that these reflexes are essential for infants to interact with gravity from birth, aiding in the development of functional movements and primitive reflexes. They serve as the building blocks for more complex movements later in life.
- The Role of Reflexes: The episode explores how these reflexes help infants oppose gravity, facilitating milestones like rolling over, sitting, and eventually walking. Michelle discusses eight specific reflexes she has identified, including the Fetal Neutral Reflex, Breathing Reflex, Absolute Horizon Reflex, and Coming off the Floor Reflex, each playing a unique role in development.
- Developmental Implications: Michelle shares insights on how these reflexes, if not integrated properly, can lead to developmental delays. She emphasizes the importance of early movement experiences for cognitive and motor skill development, using examples from her work with special needs children to illustrate her points.
- Practical Applications: Turner provides practical advice for parents and caregivers on how to support the integration of these reflexes. She discusses techniques like rotational stimulation, which can help infants achieve optimal movement patterns by interacting with gravity in a controlled manner.
- Research and Theory: The episode includes a segment where Michelle talks about her presentation at the International Movement Conference at Oxford University and her published works in journals like Functional Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics. She also touches on her theory of Opposition to Gravity and Locomotion, which has significant implications for understanding human movement from infancy to adulthood.
- Future Directions: Michelle looks forward to how understanding gravitational reflexes can influence pediatric care, educational practices, and even rehabilitation for adults, suggesting that these foundational reflexes could be key to unlocking potential in human movement across all ages.
Listen and learn how you can change your child's future and how they benefit from understanding these primal movements not just for infants but for lifelong learning and health.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in child development, movement therapy, or anyone simply curious about the intricate ways our bodies adapt to the world from the moment we are born.
Citations:
- Information on the theoretical background and practical applications of Gravitational Primitive Reflexes was sourced fr
All About Movement is a podcast dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of human movement and development. Hosted by Michelle Turner, creator of Movement Lesson, and Scott Davies, UK Movement Lesson Practitioner, Sports Medicine, the podcast offers valuable insights and practical advice for parents, educators, therapists, and anyone interested in optimizing movement and well-being.
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