Primitive Reflex Integration

Presentation

Primitive reflex integration is a therapeutic approach within the field of perinatal and pediatric kinesiology. Primitive reflexes, also known as archaic reflexes, are involuntary automatic movements present from intrauterine life through the first months after birth. They constitute the nervous system's initial "wiring" and play an essential role in the infant's neuromotor development. These reflexes are normally integrated — inhibited by higher brain structures — during the first year of life, giving way to mature postural reflexes that enable voluntary movement control.

When these reflexes are not properly integrated, they persist as "retained reflexes" and interfere with normal development. The child (or adult) then develops compensatory strategies that consume considerable energy and limit learning, coordination, and emotional regulation capacities. Pioneers of this approach include Peter Blythe and Sally Goddard-Blythe, founders of the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology (INPP) in 1975 in Chester, and Svetlana Masgutova, creator of the MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) method. This discipline draws on developmental neuroscience and bridges kinesiology, occupational therapy, and neuropsychology.

Fundamental Principles

The core principle rests on the hierarchy of neurological development: each stage of a child's motor development corresponds to the progressive integration of specific reflexes. If a stage is disrupted (difficult birth, cesarean section, lack of floor movement, early stress), the associated reflex remains active and prevents maturation of higher neural circuits. Key primitive reflexes assessed include the Moro reflex (startle reflex, integrated by 4 months — when retained causes sensory hypersensitivity, exaggerated fear reactions, anxiety), the Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR) (integrated by 6 months — retention causes hand-eye coordination difficulties, writing problems, poor midline crossing), the Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) (integrated by 3 years — affects balance, posture, muscle tone), the Palmar grasp reflex (integrated by 3 months — impacts fine motor skills), and the Spinal Galant reflex (integrated by 9 months — associated with bedwetting, postural fidgeting, waistband sensitivity).

Technical Details

Full name

Primitive (Archaic) Reflex Integration

Founders

Peter Blythe and Sally Goddard-Blythe (INPP, 1975), Svetlana Masgutova (MNRI)

Origin

Chester, England (INPP) / Poland-USA (MNRI)

Year of creation

1975 (INPP), 1990s (MNRI)

Therapeutic family

Perinatal and pediatric kinesiology, neurodevelopment

Session duration

45 to 75 minutes (initial assessment: 90 to 120 minutes)

Recommended frequency

Sessions every 4 to 6 weeks with daily home exercises (10-15 minutes)

Target audience

Children from age 4, adolescents, adults

Required training

INPP, MNRI or equivalent certification (2 to 3 year training)

Main Indications

• Academic learning difficulties (reading, writing, mathematics)
• Coordination disorders and motor clumsiness (dyspraxia)
• Attention deficit and hyperactivity (ADHD)
• Psychomotor developmental delay
• Anxiety, phobias and excessive emotional reactivity
• Sensory hypersensitivity (noise, light, touch, textures)
• Persistent bedwetting after age 5
• Lateralization and midline crossing difficulties
• Autism spectrum disorders (as complement)
• Postural and balance issues in children
• Fine motor difficulties (writing, cutting, buttoning)
• Recurrent motion sickness

Session Process

The first session is a comprehensive assessment lasting 90 to 120 minutes. The practitioner collects complete developmental history: pregnancy progression, delivery (natural, cesarean, instruments), motor milestones achieved (rolling, crawling, walking), medical and academic history. Clinical evaluation consists of standardized motor tests for each reflex. For example, the Moro reflex test involves rapid head extension backward from a seated position: persistence of arm opening, sharp inhalation or startle beyond 6 months indicates retention. Each reflex is rated on a scale from 0 (integrated) to 4 (strongly retained).

The integration program relies on stereotyped movements reproducing the natural developmental sequence. These exercises, practiced daily at home for 10-15 minutes, stimulate the relevant neural pathways. Follow-up sessions every 4-6 weeks reassess progress and introduce new exercises. A complete program typically lasts 12 to 18 months.

Variations and Sub-techniques

• INPP Method (Blythe/Goddard-Blythe): daily stereotyped movement program following developmental sequence, research-validated structured approach
• MNRI (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration): combining tactile, proprioceptive and vestibular repatterning
• Rhythmic Movement Training (RMTi): integration through passive and active rhythmic movements
• Brain Gym® and reflexes: reflex assessment integrated into educational kinesiology protocol
• Sensory integration and reflexes: combination with Ayres sensory integration occupational therapy

Contraindications

• Progressive neurological pathologies (prior medical evaluation required)
• Unstabilized epilepsy (vestibular movements may trigger seizures)
• Recent fractures or injuries limiting movement
• Acute phase of severe psychiatric disorders
• Children under 4 for the standard program (adapted protocols available)
• This approach never replaces conventional medical or paramedical care