Stepping reflex

Stepping Reflex

The Stepping Reflex is a primitive reflex found in newborn infants, which disappears around two months of age. This reflex is also known as the Walking Reflex or Dance Reflex. It is one of the many infant reflexes that are part of the newborn's neurological development.

Overview

The stepping reflex is an automatic response that is present at birth and usually disappears around the age of two months. When the soles of the infant's feet touch a flat surface, they will attempt to "walk" by placing one foot in front of the other. This reflex helps to prepare the infant for independent walking later in life.

Mechanism

The stepping reflex is triggered when the soles of the infant's feet come into contact with a hard surface. This stimulates sensory receptors in the skin, which send signals to the spinal cord. The spinal cord then sends signals to the muscles of the legs, causing them to contract and produce the stepping motion.

Clinical Significance

The presence or absence of the stepping reflex can provide important information about the neurological health of a newborn. If the reflex is absent in a newborn, or if it persists beyond the age of two months, it may indicate a problem with the central nervous system.

See Also

• Primitive reflexes
• Moro reflex
• Rooting reflex
• Babinski reflex