--- title: "Move Play Thrive | Brain and Sensory Foundations Course - Gross Motor Skills" description: "Children, teens, and adults use rhythmic movements and reflex integration to boost gross motor skills, coordination, balance, strength, and motor planning." url: "https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills?start=30" date: "2026-07-04T22:10:42+00:00" language: "en-US" --- # Gross Motor Skills ## Gross Motor Skills ## Gross Motor Gains with Primitive Reflex Integration Integrating the primitive reflexes may build gross motor skills in individuals who experience issues with motor planning, coordination, gait, flexibility, or muscle tone. The success stories below demonstrate potential benefits to gross motor function from [innate rhythmic movements](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=514 "Learn how rhythmic movements impact development") and [primitive reflex integration](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=513 "How primitive reflexes lay the functional foundation"). *All case studies are written by students of the [Brain and Sensory Foundations First Level course](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Course on innate rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration").* [ ![Boy throwing a baseball. Text: Improvements with emotional regulation and gross motor skills.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_SP_A.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/tremendous-changes-in-boy-with-sensory-and-emotional-issues) ### [ “Tremendous Changes” in Boy with Sensory and Emotional Issues ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/tremendous-changes-in-boy-with-sensory-and-emotional-issues) [ ![Mom and baby sharing tummy time on floor. Text: Prognosis is excellent for full resolution of late-stage torticollis! Links to a case study titled, 13 Month-Old Sees Great Improvement in Torticollis, Headrighting, and Parachute Reflex](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MeEd_T.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/13-month-old-sees-great-improvement-in-torticollis-headrighting-and-parachute-reflex) ### [ 13-Month-Old Sees Great Improvement in Torticollis, Headrighting, and Parachute Reflex ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/13-month-old-sees-great-improvement-in-torticollis-headrighting-and-parachute-reflex) [ ![Boy smiling into camera. Text: 8 year old learns to self-advocate and ask for movements.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_DaHi_ANON.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-autism-and-adhd-gains-better-focus-and-body-awareness-in-6-weeks) ### [ Boy with Autism and ADHD Gains Better Focus and Body Awareness in 6 Weeks ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-autism-and-adhd-gains-better-focus-and-body-awareness-in-6-weeks) [ ![10-year-old girl looking to the right. Text: From daily disruptive behavior to “calm composure”](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ThRa_P.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/life-changing-strides-in-gross-motor-skills-visual-processing-and-participation-in-school) ### [ Life-Changing Strides in Gross-Motor Skills, Visual Processing, and Participation in School ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/life-changing-strides-in-gross-motor-skills-visual-processing-and-participation-in-school) [ ![Close-up of a child putting on socks. Text: Child with CP: "I feel awesome"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LaTh_M.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/11yo-with-hemiparesis-makes-gains-at-every-session) ### [ 11-Year-Old with Hemiparesis Makes Gains at Every Session ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/11yo-with-hemiparesis-makes-gains-at-every-session) [ ![Young boy waving at camera. Text: Toe Walking Significantly Decreased](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_JuSe_ANON.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/6-year-old-gains-more-foot-function-better-sensory-integration-toe-walking-diminishes) ### [ 6-Year-Old Gains More Foot Function, Better Sensory Integration; Toe Walking Diminishes ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/6-year-old-gains-more-foot-function-better-sensory-integration-toe-walking-diminishes) [ ![Boy playing with building blocks. Text: Achieving goals and progressing rapidly.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ElCa_C.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/four-year-old-boy-with-difficulties-performing-basic-daily-tasks-such-as-self-feeding-is-now-achieving-goals-after-three-weeks-of-rhythmic-movements) ### [ 4-Year-Old Boy with Difficulties Performing Basic Daily Tasks Such as Self-Feeding Is Now Achieving Goals after Three Weeks of Rhythmic Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/four-year-old-boy-with-difficulties-performing-basic-daily-tasks-such-as-self-feeding-is-now-achieving-goals-after-three-weeks-of-rhythmic-movements) [ ![Boy smiling into camera. Text: Boy stops toe walking.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_ElCa_A.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/no-toe-walking-for-the-first-time-after-less-than-a-week-of-rhythmic-movements) ### [ No Toe Walking for the First Time after Less than a Week of Rhythmic Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/no-toe-walking-for-the-first-time-after-less-than-a-week-of-rhythmic-movements) [ ![Girl walking away from camera. Text: Happier and walking again.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MW_A.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/from-wheelchair-to-walking-in-4-months) ### [ From Wheelchair to Walking in 4 Months ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/from-wheelchair-to-walking-in-4-months) [ ![Young boy riding a bike. Text: Boy rides bike, masters many goals](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AnBo_K.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-rides-bike-masters-many-goals) ### [ Boy Rides Bike, Masters Many Goals ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-rides-bike-masters-many-goals) [ ![Boy looking into camera. Text: Increased strength, fine motor, no more oral sensory seeking!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_IlMi_J.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-stunned-by-4-year-olds-progress) ### [ OT Stunned by 4-Year-Old's Progress ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/ot-stunned-by-4-year-olds-progress) [ ![ Boy vacuuming. Text: Boy has no more fear of vacuum noise.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_TeDa_F.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/extreme-sensitivity-motor-skills-and-social-skills-improve) ### [ Extreme Sensitivity, Motor Skills, and Social Skills Improve ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/extreme-sensitivity-motor-skills-and-social-skills-improve) [ ![Smiling boy. Text: No more crying at daycare.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_VT_C.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/toddler-more-tolerant-animated-and-happy-after-a-course-of-rhythmic-movements) ### [ Toddler More Tolerant, Animated, and Happy after a Course of Rhythmic Movements. ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/toddler-more-tolerant-animated-and-happy-after-a-course-of-rhythmic-movements) [ ![Movement therapy. Text: Sport performance boosted by reflex integration.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LH_SELF.jpg) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/sports-performance-boosted-by-reflex-integration) ### [ Sports Performance Boosted by Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/sports-performance-boosted-by-reflex-integration) [ ![Teenaged boy looking at camera. Text: Made gains not seen in years of therapy.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_KLM_ANON.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/teen-boy-with-severe-toe-walking-sees-extreme-improvement) ### [ Teen Boy With Severe Toe Walking Sees Extreme Improvement ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/teen-boy-with-severe-toe-walking-sees-extreme-improvement) [ ![Boy sitting by himself looking out a car or bus window. Text: Boy with ASD shows growth in all areas of school development](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_JM_B2.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-severe-autism-makes-remarkable-progress-in-play-academics-speech-gross-motor-and-fine-motor-skills) ### [ Boy with Severe Autism Makes Remarkable Progress in Play, Academics, Speech, Gross Motor and Fine Motor Skills ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/boy-with-severe-autism-makes-remarkable-progress-in-play-academics-speech-gross-motor-and-fine-motor-skills) [ ![Boy happy and jumping. Text: 5-year-old boy with SPD sustains emotional regulation, increases confidence: OT impressed.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_TA_ANON1.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/5-year-old-boy-with-spd-sustains-emotional-regulation-increases-confidence-ot-impressed) ### [ 5-Year-Old Boy with SPD Sustains Emotional Regulation, Increases Confidence. OT Impressed! ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/5-year-old-boy-with-spd-sustains-emotional-regulation-increases-confidence-ot-impressed) [ ![Toddler hugging parent. Text: PT impressed! Toddler girl makes huge strides in gross motor skills](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LH_E.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/toddler-girl-huge-strides-in-gross-motor-skills) ### [ Toddler Girl, Huge Strides in Gross Motor Skills ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/toddler-girl-huge-strides-in-gross-motor-skills) [ ![Young boy on a swing. Text: "6-Year-Old Boy: Gross Motor Gains, Decrease in Anxiety and Behavior Issues"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MoBa_G.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/six-year-old-boy-gross-motor-gains-decrease-in-anxiety-and-behavior-issues) ### [ 6-Year-Old Boy: Gross Motor Gains, Decrease in Anxiety and Behavior Issues ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/six-year-old-boy-gross-motor-gains-decrease-in-anxiety-and-behavior-issues) [ ![Photo of boy watching giant bubbles float above him. Text: Sensory & Behavior Improves.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_CS_C.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/movement-helps-sensory-behavior-for-9-year-old) ### [ Movement Helps Sensory & Behavior for 9-Year-Old ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/movement-helps-sensory-behavior-for-9-year-old) [ ![Young girl eating an orange slice. Text: From moderate to minimal assistance with ADLs in 4 weeks!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_TzAb_N.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/from-moderate-to-minimal-assistance-with-adls-in-4-weeks) ### [ From Moderate to Minimal Assistance with ADLs in 4 Weeks ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/from-moderate-to-minimal-assistance-with-adls-in-4-weeks) [ ![Girl and mother giggling. Text: Autism—Better eye contact, play, speech & motor skills](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_JeDa_M.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-girl-meets-a-3-year-physical-therapy-goal-after-doing-neurodevelopmental-movements) ### [ Autistic Girl Meets a 3-Year Physical Therapy Goal After Doing Neurodevelopmental Movements ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/autistic-girl-meets-a-3-year-physical-therapy-goal-after-doing-neurodevelopmental-movements) [ ![Boy riding bike. Text: ADHD: OT says, "I have never witness results like these"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_AlRa_B.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/adhd-in-2-months-ot-sees-profound-improvements-across-multiple-functional-areas) ### [ ADHD: In 2 months OT sees “profound improvements across multiple functional areas” ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/adhd-in-2-months-ot-sees-profound-improvements-across-multiple-functional-areas) [ ![Girl in wheelchair with back to camera. Text: Great progress for 12-year-old girl with Cerebral Palsy!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_RAN_ANON.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/easier-wheelchair-transitions-and-huge-gait-trainer-improvements-for-12-yr-old-with-cp) ### [ Easier Wheelchair Transitions and Huge Gait Trainer Improvements for 12-Year-Old with Cerebral Palsy ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/easier-wheelchair-transitions-and-huge-gait-trainer-improvements-for-12-yr-old-with-cp) [ ![One-year-old girl crawling in grass with a bright yellow balloon. Text: Finally crawling and walking! OT: "I wholeheartedly give credit to the information in this course."](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MiRi_G.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/1-yr-old-with-high-muscle-tone-who-would-never-crawl-is-now-crawling-and-walking) ### [ 1-Year-Old with High Muscle Tone, Who Would “Never Crawl,” Is Now Crawling...and Walking! ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/1-yr-old-with-high-muscle-tone-who-would-never-crawl-is-now-crawling-and-walking) [ ![Sheep standing, supported by harness. Text: Sheep goes from paralysis to walking!](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_CaKa_D.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/rhythmic-movements-save-injured-sheep-2) ### [ Rhythmic Movements Save Injured Sheep ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/rhythmic-movements-save-injured-sheep-2) [ ![Smiling boy running in autumn leaves. Text: OT measures "Extraordinary Progress" for preschool boy.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_MiRi_M.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/in-12-weeks-at-risk-4-yr-old-boy-scores-at-age-level-on-beery-visual-motor-test) ### [ In 12 weeks, At-Risk 4-Year-Old Boy Scores at Age Level on Beery Visual-Motor Test ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/in-12-weeks-at-risk-4-yr-old-boy-scores-at-age-level-on-beery-visual-motor-test) [ ![Older gentleman walking in woods. Text" 67-year-old man makes huge gains in balance, cognition, pain relief.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_TeHe_ANON.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/rhythmic-movements-and-primitive-reflex-integration-make-a-big-difference-for-senior-man) ### [ Rhythmic Movements and Primitive Reflex Integration Make a Big Difference for Senior Man ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/rhythmic-movements-and-primitive-reflex-integration-make-a-big-difference-for-senior-man) [ ![Boy and mom laughing together. Text: Parents and OT are "Blown Away" at fast progress for 7 year old boy.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_NaGr_J.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/head-slapping-and-thumb-sucking-stop-while-fine-and-gross-motor-skills-improve) ### [ Head-Slapping and Thumb-Sucking Stop, While Fine and Gross Motor Skills Improve ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/head-slapping-and-thumb-sucking-stop-while-fine-and-gross-motor-skills-improve) [ ![Curly-haired toddler joyfully running across grass. Text: Doctor say, "It's a miracle!"](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LiMu_M.png) ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/premature-baby-in-icu-walks-at-18-months-with-the-help-of-innate-rhythmic-movements-and-reflex-integration) ### [ Premature Baby in ICU, Walks at 18 Months with the Help of Innate Rhythmic Movements and Reflex Integration ](https://moveplaythrive.com/evidence/case-studies/premature-baby-in-icu-walks-at-18-months-with-the-help-of-innate-rhythmic-movements-and-reflex-integration) Page 2 of 3 - [ ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills) - [ ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills) - [ 1 ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills) - 2 - [ 3 ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills?start=60) - [ ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills?start=60) - [ ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills?start=60) ## Schema ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://moveplaythrive.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Case Studies", "item": "https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Gross Motor Skills", "item": "https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills" } ] } ```