The MORO primitive reflex is also known as the “Startle” reflex. Check out our Primitive Reflex article to learn about the MORO reflex, when it is present, what it’s purpose is, and what you may see if the MORO reflex is retained.
This article will go over some exercises and movement patterns that may help with integrating the MORO reflex. When trying these movements, if your kiddo has difficulty performing these activities or maintaining symmetry and form, the reflex may be present. If you have further concerns regarding MORO reflex integration and possible assessments, contact your local OT practitioner.
This first activity requires a therapy ball and items to grab off the floor such as bean bags. Have your kiddo sit on the 1st quarter portion of the ball with feet stable on the floor. Have them lean back over the ball to reach for items that are on the floor behind them to pick up. Turn it into a game, picking items up to throw at a target or into a container. Tilting back of the head can elicit the “startle” response with instability and hands extending out, so help them by maintaining balance and stability through the movement. Stabilize them by holding around their torso, hips, or knees. Start closer to their center with the support and progress further away as they gain more stability. You may also need to provide greater support if using a larger therapy ball.
- Stabilize and support your kiddo to prevent falls when they reach back.
- Place cushions, pillows or soft items around for safety.
Moro activity seen on the right
Other benefits of this MORO activity
- Trunk stability
- Core strength
- Gravitational insecurity
- Provides Vestibular input
- Hand-eye coordination
DUCK & PIGEON WALKS
The next MORO reflex integration exercises are the Duck and Pigeon walks. What is required is anything similar to a broom stick, bat, or wooden dowel to hold onto, and an area to perform them in.
When attempting to bring the toes in such as in a “pigeon toed” position, you may notice the elbows extend out with the palms rotating in, somewhat looking like a scarecrow.
When attempting to point the toes out such as “duck feet,” you may notice the palms turn up and out. If you notice either of these responses, it is possible that the MORO reflex may be present.
When performing the Pigeon walks, walk with the toes pointed “in” while holding the dowel with the palms up and thumbs pointed out. When performing the Duck walks, walk with the toes pointed “out” while holding the dowel with the palms down and the thumbs pointed in. You are essentially performing the walks holding the stick with opposite hands and arms of how they are responding to the toe position. Perform 10-15 steps on a daily basis 3-4x/day, walking forward and backward. Incorporate them into your day when transitioning from room to room.
- Pigeon walk
- Difficulty with pigeon example
- Duck walk
- Difficulty with duck example
The videos showing difficulty are only examples of what you may see. Here are some other observations to take into account. It may be difficult to maintain an upright posture. The hips and torso may rotate and the elbows may stick out. It may be hard to keep the stick level. Your kiddo may have difficulty keeping their toes in or out. Provide cues to have them readjust their posture and positioning as they go as needed.
If they have difficulty walking with the angled feet positions, work on maintaining the position standing in place, just working on the foot position. Place tape strips on the floor to stand on. Angle them the way you want their feet to be in, covering the tape. Play some “high 5” or “patty cake” games while standing to increase the difficulty.
If you don’t have a stick of some sort, you can always point the thumbs in the proper direction as if holding a stick, while trying to maintain form. The stick provides feedback to help maintain the proper hand/arm position, especially when difficult.
Just like when we exercise, consistency is important to build the strength, coordination, endurance, or flexibility you may be working towards. In the same way, it is important to be consistent performing reflex integration exercises and movements to help with reintegration of the reflexes. Incorporate them into your day and have fun with it!
2 Responses
Thank you SO much for these ideas. We’re waiting to get into OT and have had to cancel twice due to sickness and I’m so tired of just trying to do the starfish exercise . We are going to try these out today!!
I am glad that you have found them useful! So sorry to hear that you have been sick. I hope that you all heal quickly. Provide your kiddos opportunities to move the body in different ways. Good luck with getting into OT once everyone is healthy!