The Spinal Galant reflex may be triggered when the skin along the back is stroked. A retained characteristic may also be bed wetting. Check out our primitive reflex article to learn more about the Spinal Galant reflex, when it is present, what its purpose is, and what you may see if the Spinal Galant reflex is retained.
This article will provide some exercises and activities that you can perform to help with Spinal Galant reflex integration. If your kiddo has difficulty performing these activities while maintaining a good symmetry and form, the reflex may be present. On a side note, kids can be ticklish when it comes to the back, but if they are overly sensitive to the input, and you notice some other characteristics similar to those from the primitive reflex article, it’s possible the Spinal Galant reflex may be a factor.
The Snow Angel
- You are essentially performing the snow angel pattern on your back laying on the ground or floor.
- Lay in the grass, on a mat, on the carpet, or on a place that can provide sensory feedback through the movement.
- Make the movements intentional and controlled.
- Count out loud for your kiddo to follow.
- Use a metronome to work on timing.
- The snow angel can also work on coordination and focus, especially when having to be intentional.
- Challenge your kiddo by having them move the same or opposite sides. For example, move the right arm and leg, or just the left arm and right leg.
- Look for fluidity and control.
- You may need to assist through the movement if difficult.
Snow Angel: Perform 5-10x, 3-4 times a day.
The Butt walks
The butt walks, booty crawls, straight leg hip scoots, call them what you like! At any rate, all you need is an open space to perform this movement. Sit on the floor with legs extended in front of you while keeping an upright posture. Begin shifting your hips from one side to the other while scooting your body forward to get from point A to point B all while trying to maintain posture.
Butt walks
Perform 10-20 walks 3-4 times a day.
- Assistance may be required if there is difficulty. Hold the ankles while they keep their legs straight, helping them scoot forward by pulling/guiding each leg.
- Race each other or do relay races.
- Try scooting backwards too.
Difficulty with butt walks
Observations
- Difficulty keeping the legs straight.
- Rotation of the torso and arms.
- Trying to use other means to scoot the body forward.
- Difficulty maintaining posture.
- Greater body deviations in their head, shoulders, hips, and knees.
Another activity that you can incorporate that may benefit the Galant reflex is guessing letters, numbers, or shapes that you trace on your kiddo’s back with your finger. Provide a firm pressure when tracing, working to build tolerance as they may be wiggly with the input. Other than the Galant reflex, this activity helps with focus, mental imagery, and memory which is a benefit in various areas of learning. Use these activities to help your kiddo, but also as an opportunity to connect with them. Do them with your kids, throw them into a routine as part of the day, and have fun!
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