Grip reflex

The reflex influences the development of gross motor skills of the hand. It prepares the distinction between right and left side as well as hand-mouth and hand-foot coordination. Centering is developed through the coordination of upper and lower body movement. The grasp reflex always works together with the pull-up reflex, which is later integrated into the grasp reflex.

If the reflex is not fully integrated, the following abnormalities may occur:

• The development of laterality is slowed down.
• Hand-eye coordination remains uncertain.
• Die Hand-Fuß-Koordination bleibt ebenfalls unsicher.
• Fine motor problems may occur as a result.
• The gross motor skills of the hands remain undifferentiated.
• A cramped pen posture, strong pressure on the pen when drawing and writing, rapid fatigue when writing lead to unwillingness and refusal.
• Co-movement of the mouth and tongue during writing are observable.
• Slurred articulation is often heard.

Origin: 11th week intrauterine
Duration: Active from birth to 1 year of life
Integration: End of the 1st year of life