Affect of Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex on Changes in Weight Bearing in the Upper Extremities in Normal Children

정상아동에서의 긴장성 비대칭성 경반사를 통한 상지의 체중지지 변화

The purpose of this study was to find out what changes in weight bearing in the both upper extremities occurred in response to Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex by rotation of head in the quadruped position. The subjects for the study were 80 children (44 male, 44 female) who were neurologically normal. They were divided into two groups $6\~7$ year olds and $8\~9$ year olds. Paired t-test was applied as a atatistical method at the 0.01 level of significance. The results of this study are as follows; 1. In the neutral position of head, there was mort weight bearing on the left hand than the right in both of the two groups(p<0.01). 2. When the head was rotated to the right or left passively, there was more weight bearing on the hand of side to which the face was rotated(p<0.01). 3. When the head was rotated to the right or left actively, there us also more weight bearing on the hand of side to which the face was rotated(p<0.01). Therefore, it is possible to un Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex to increase body weight for muscle strengthening in children with weakened muscles of the upper extremities. further studies are required for confirmation of these findings.