Jornal Internacional de Neurorreabilitação

Reflex Profile of Children with Down Syndrome Improvement of Neurosensorimotor Development Using the MNRI® Reflex Integration Program

Abstract

Svetlana Masgutova*, Nelli Akhmatova and Sadowska Ludwika

A reflex profile of children with Down Syndrome (n=48) has been created based on an Assessment of their reflex patterns. This profile and its analysis demonstrate that dysfunctional patterns intrude upon the neurodevelopment of children in this group significantly, and cause more delays in their neurosensorimotor integration, motor coordination, and other areas. The MNRI® (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) therapy modality which comprises of techniques and exercises of repatterning, was used for children participating in this research. It has proved its optimizing effect on sensory (tactile, visual-auditory) perception, motor programming and control, and proprioceptive awareness. The MNRI® concept of reflex integration differs from other traditional theories of reflex inhibition/extinction of retained reflexes. The MNRI® approach with immature or dysfunctional reflex circuits is based on activating the sensory-motor patterns encoded in a human nervous system on the genetic level. Non-invasive exercises and techniques in the MNRI® Program are aimed at the development of proper connectivity between sensory and motor neurons in neurophysiological circuits, and at strengthening and coordinating the links between different reflex patterns. The MNRI® process proposes exercises that remind the body-brain system of reflex patterns in a delicate and safe way, sometimes through the use of games and play. These techniques can be easily used by parents, caregivers, and specialists working with Down syndrome children. Statistic analysis of five paramers of a reflex pattern: sensory-motor coordination, direction of a response, intensity (muscle tone regulation), latency/dynamics, and symmetry before and after the MNRI® therapy process (based on synthesized Z function; A. Krefft algorythm) allowed for an objective scientific approach of the effectiveness of the MNRI® processes. The therapy program and evaluations were conducted during 11 day therapy-rehabilitation camps with 48 children from different countries (Poland, USA, Canada, and Russia). The feedback reports by parents and specialists on the motor and cognitive function changes in children with Down syndrome after the MNRI® program show certain improvements.