OTH 603: Reflex Lab
Reflex
Test Position
Stimulus
ATNR
Supine
Sitting
Rotation of neck
*Test both sides
STNR
Babies – over lap
Adult – quadruped or
sitting
1. Flexion of neck
2. Extension of neck
+ Response
(+) Rotate head left – left arm &
leg extended, right arm & leg
flexed
Rotate head right – right arm &
leg extended, left arm & leg
flexed
1. (+) UE flexed, LE extended
2. (+) UE extended, LE flexed
*Looks like a bunny hopping
Labyrinthine- inner ear to
detect gravity
TLR: prone
Prone (on stomach)
TLR: supine
Supine (on back)
1. Check to see if client
can lift head
2. Check to see if their
limbs push against you
when trying to lift them
(Place hands above and
below elbow/knee joint
when lifting arm/leg)
Labyrinthine- inner ear to
detect gravity
1. Check to see if client
can lift head
2. Check to see if their
limbs push against you
(+) Client can’t sit up against
gravity, body pulled into flexion
(+) Client can’t sit up against
gravity, extension of extremities
when trying to lift them
(Place hands above and
below elbow/knee joint
when lifting arm/leg)
Associated
Reactions
Sitting
Standing
Squeeze an object with
unaffected hand
(+) The other hand mimics the
movement
Grasp
Reflex
Any position
Tactile input to ulnar side
of hand
(+) Strong grasp, no ability to
open their hand in order to let go
Righting
Reactions
Sitting
Sitting on ball
Kneeling
Standing
Displace center of gravity
by pushing forward,
sideways, and backwards
(+) Right your head to midline
Protective
Extension
1. Sitting
Kneeling
2. Prone on ball
1. Displace center of
gravity by pushing
forward, sideways, and
backwards
2. Control client’s legs
while moving them on ball
(+) Arms extend to protect/catch
self in both cases
*While sitting or kneeling, OT
should extend arm across client’s
chest
Equilibrium
Reactions
Sitting
Kneeling
Standing
Displace center of gravity
by pushing forward,
sideways, and backwards
(using more force than
with righting reactions)
(+) Right your head and trunk to
midline