Rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration result in improvements with bed wetting, handwriting skills, and ability to independently complete multi-step tasks
This little boy with ADHD experienced frequent bed wetting, was unable to complete multi-step tasks without redirection, and struggled with fine motor skills such as handwriting. See how his Occupational Therapist used rhythmic rocking and primitive reflex integration for his Spinal Galant and hand reflexes to initiate improvements in all these areas.
Submitted by Tiffany Sinovic, MS,OTR/L
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Messy handwriting | Handwriting improvements |
| Inability to focus | More focus |
| Frequent bed wetting | So far, up to two weeks without a bed wetting accident |
Pt is an 8 year 7 month old male diagnosed with ADHD. Mom reports difficulty at school especially with messy handwriting and focus on tasks. Mom also reports frequent bed wetting at night. Current goals:
- Pt will complete 3 sentences or 3 to 4 words on practice paper with fair form, finger spacing, and fair size 2x this interim to improve handwriting in school and home.
- Pt will complete active spinal galant movements [from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course] at the beginning of each session this interim to help promote reflex integration to help with bladder control at night.
- Pt will complete 3 step obstacle course with one undesired task for 10 mins included following directions and maintaining focus with min vc to improve attention and focus at desk in school.
Each session we begin with rhythmic rocking [from the Brain and Sensory Foundations course] in all four positions followed by brain tune up. The patient completes at least one active spinal galant exercise.
So far the patient that I am continuing to currently see has displayed significant improvement in handwriting even receiving a sticker multiple times for good handwriting. Mom reports less bed wetting currently going as long as 2 weeks without an accident at night, which in the past he was having accidents a few times a week.
Pt completed at least 20 [min] each hour session of rhythmic rocking and reflex integration whether its active, passive, or isometric.
I have noticed an extreme change in wanting to complete the handwriting component of treatment sessions. Also noted that he is more focused during therapy and completes undesired activities without any redirection. I have learned the importance and power of rhythmic rocking and reflex integration on my ADD/ADHD population and how when the body is in rhythm the patient’s handwriting significantly improved and focus and attention. This patient has completed 6 sessions using these techniques.
(Edited, emphasis added)