STNR: Understanding the Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex

Posted by paul walker on August 10th, 2023

Introduction

The Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) is a reflex that plays an important role in a child's development. It is present in infants and typically disappears around the age of nine months. The STNR reflex is essential for crawling, sitting, and standing, and is important for developing good posture and coordination. In this blog post, we will discuss the STNR reflex and its importance in child development.

What is the STNR Reflex?

The STNR reflex is a postural reflex that allows a child to coordinate the movement of their arms and legs. It is present in infants and is typically triggered when the child moves their head forward or backward. When the head is flexed forward, the reflex causes the arms to bend and the legs to straighten. When the head is extended backward, the arms straighten and the legs bend. This reflex is necessary for crawling, sitting, and standing, and helps a child develop good posture and coordination.

Importance of the STNR Reflex in Child Development

The STNR reflex plays an important role in the development of a child's posture and coordination. Without this reflex, a child would have difficulty crawling, sitting, and standing. The reflex helps a child develop good posture by promoting the use of the neck muscles, which are important for holding the head upright. It also helps a child develop coordination by allowing them to move their arms and legs in a coordinated way. In addition, the STNR reflex is important for developing good eye-hand coordination, as it allows a child to reach for objects while maintaining their balance.

Conclusion

The Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (STNR) is a reflex that plays an important role in a child's development. It is present in infants and typically disappears around the age of nine months. The STNR reflex is important for crawling, sitting, and standing, and helps a child develop good posture and coordination. Without this reflex, a child would have difficulty with these basic movements. As parents, it's important to understand the role of the STNR reflex in child development and to encourage activities that promote its development.