# Primitive Reflex Integration Case Studies

##  Sports Performance Boosted by Reflex Integration

   May 14, 2024

## Muscles relax, coordination improves

This OT experienced overly tense muscles when she played tennis, which impacted her coordination and fluidity of movement. Learn how the [Brain and Sensory Foundations tools](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Top-rated primitive reflex integration course") drastically improved her motor skills, and made moving more enjoyable.

*Submitted by L.H., Occupational Therapist, Ohio*

![Sonia Story giving movement therapy to girl. Text: Sport performance boosted by reflex integration.](https://moveplaythrive.com/images/2023_Case_Studies/CS_LH_SELF.webp)

 | Before | After |
|---|---|
| Long history of being very tense and biting lips when playing tennis, affecting performance | Body felt much more relaxed when playing |
| "I felt like I was fighting against my own body ..." | "It felt so good, not to feel so bound up." |

"I had the “A-ha” moment that made me fully understand the power of integrating reflexes from a personal experience." For years, when I played tennis, I bit my lips, and my mouth tensed whenever I swung the racquet. When I power served the ball, my often body tensed up and I held my breath. When this happens, the ball often goes into the net or a little wild. I felt like I was fighting against my own body and had to mentally tell myself to breath and relax through the activity.

**"However, that changed that day after doing the hand-mouth integration exercises \[from the [Brain and Sensory Foundations program](https://moveplaythrive.com/index.php?Itemid=362 "Rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration CEU course")\]. I stepped up during warm-up to serve the ball, and my body felt free to move exactly the way I intended for it to do."**

This was a new sensation for me. My serves were spot on. I couldn’t believe it. It felt so good, not to feel so bound up. All my serves during that match felt free. Better yet, we won our tennis match!"

\[Edited for length and clarity; emphasis added\]

- [ Gross Motor Skills ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/gross-motor-skills)
- [ Teens & Adults ](https://moveplaythrive.com/case-studies-conditions/teens-and-adults)
- [ From Occupational Therapy Professionals: ](https://moveplaythrive.com/component/tags/tag/case-studies-from-ots)