Investigation of trunk and extremity movement associated with passive headturning in newborns

Background and Purpose. Physical therapist examination of pediatric clients or clients with neurological conditions often includes the observation of stereotypical movement patterns such as the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex and righting reactions. The purpose of this study was to investigate whethe r extremity and trunk responses to passive head turning could be documented in newborn infants. Subjects and Methods. Forty-two newborns with no known medical problems were videotaped within 5 days of birth while an investiga tor turned their heads left and right. Videotapes were stopped. at 5-second intervals to record the direction of head turn with the rest of the body o bscured. A second investigator recorded trunk and extremity position with t he head obscured. Results. The direction of head turning affected upper- an d lower-extremity position, with extension stronger on the face side. The d irection of trunk convexity was also affected by head position, with the tr unk convex. to the side to which the face was turned. Conclusion and Discus sion. Extremity responses and trunk responses to passive head turning can b e documented corresponding to patterns reported for the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex and righting reflexes in neonates with no known medical problem s mole frequently than would occur by chance.