Grasp Reflex Research Articles

The Effect of Grasp Reflex Stimulation on Pain During Vaccine Administration.

The administration of vaccination, being an invasive procedure, can induce considerable pain in preterm infants. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of grasp reflex stimulation on pain and crying time during hepatitis B vaccine administration in infants. This parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted between November 1, 2022, and April 1, 2023, at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital in Turkey. The study included preterm infants whose parents provided both verbal and written consent. The control group (n =31) underwent a routine vaccination procedure, while the experimental group (n =28) underwent grasp reflex stimulation in addition to the routine vaccination procedure. Data were collected through the infant information form, stopwatch, and Premature Infant Pain Profile Scale-Revised (PIPP-R) form. The mean PIPP-R score during the procedure was 11.67±2.05 in the experimental group and 15.51±1.36 in the control group (P ≤.001). After the procedure, the mean PIPP-R score was 10.89±2.06 in the experimental group and 14.67±1.55 in the control group (P ≤.001). The mean duration of crying was 19.57±6.17 in the experimental group and 27.12±6.19 in the control group (P ≤.001). The mean PIPP-R and crying time of the control group were higher. Grasp reflex stimulation applied to preterm infants during vaccine administration decreased pain and crying time during and after the procedure. Grasp reflex stimulation can be applied as a care approach for procedures that may cause pain in infants and may help calm infants as part of pain management in nursing. The results of this study provide new information to the literature regarding the impact of grasp reflex stimulation on pain and the duration of crying induced by the hepatitis B vaccine in preterm infants. To our knowledge, this is the first study to confirm the effectiveness and feasibility of grasping reflex stimulation in hepatitis B vaccine administration in preterm infants. This study may contribute to future evidence-based studies. Grasping reflex stimulation can be tried as a parent-provided intervention in younger or older infants or in those who are critically ill.

The grasp reflex in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence and intensity of grasp reflexes and to examine changes in these reflexes after shunt surgery in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH).MethodsWe enrolled 147 patients with probable iNPH. A standard procedure was used to determine the presence of grasp reflexes, and the intensity of these reflexes was assessed using a four-category classification. Clinical rating scales and their correlation with grasp reflexes were also evaluated. Grasp reflexes were reassessed in 72 patients 1 year after surgery.ResultsWe found that approximately 50.3% of patients with iNPH exhibited a positive grasp reflex. Among these patients, 69% exhibited bilateral positivity, while the remaining patients showed unilateral positivity. Furthermore, the intensity of the grasp reflex was significantly correlated with the severity of gait and with cognitive, urinary, motor, and behavioural symptoms. Surgical interventions led to a reduction (41.7%) or maintenance (30.6%) of the reflex intensity in 72.3% of iNPH patients. The changes in reflex intensity showed significant positive correlations with changes in the number of steps of the Timed Up and Go test and Trail Making Test-A scores but not with changes in total scores on the iNPH Grading Scale.ConclusionThis retrospective study identified grasp reflexes as a highly prevalent phenomenon in patients with iNPH. These reflexes can assist in evaluating the severity of various symptoms, including cognitive, gait, urinary, motor and emotional symptoms.

Primitive Reflex Factors Influence Walking Gait in Young Children: An Observational Study.

Background: Primitive reflexes (PRs) are observed as an automatic response to a specific stimulus. They are vivid from intrauterine life to 6 months postnatal. The reactions are inhibited with the growing maturation of the central nervous system (CNS). In some cases, when the natural process of development is incorrect, PRs manifest later. The analysis of differentiation in gait parameters in children with persistent PRs is important for better understanding their specific behaviour and movement. This study’s aim was to investigate the influence of active PRs on the gait parameters of preschool children. Methods: There were 50 children examined, 30 girls and 20 boys. They were 3.5–6 years old. The children had persistent PRs in the trace form. Each child was examined by S. Goddard’s Battery Test. The acquisition of the spatial-temporal gait parameters was performed using a BTS G-SENSOR measurement instrument. Participants walked barefoot, in the most natural way for them, at a self-selected speed on a 5 m walkway, then turned around and went back. They performed this twice. Results: The reflex activity influences gait cycle duration (p = 0.0099), the left step length (p = 0.0002), the left double support phase (p = 0.0024), the right double support phase (p = 0.0258) and the right single phase. Difficulties in recreating the crawling pattern and GRASP reflex influence gait cadence (p < 0.05). The left GRASP reflex corresponds to step length (p < 0.05). The activeness of the symmetrical tonic neck reflex correlates with the right single support (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The presence of PRs affect walking gait in preschool children.

Feeding Intolerance in a 3-month-old.

Feeding Intolerance in a 3-month-old.

左頭頂葉病変により把握反射, 本能性把握反応を伴わず「つかんだものが放せない」症状を呈した 1 例

左頭頂葉病変により把握反射, 本能性把握反応を伴わず「つかんだものが放せない」症状を呈した 1 例

Which Hand Position in Breastfeeding Is Better for Milk Intake: Palmar Grasp or Scissor Grasp? A Pilot Study.

Objectives: During breastfeeding, there are two natural hand positions used most often by the mother to introduce her breast to the baby (palmar grasp [C-hold position] and scissor grasp). In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the milk intake is affected by the hand position. Materials and Methods: Both healthy term breastfed infants and their mothers were included in the study. Each mother-baby dyad was monitored during two feeding periods (100 mother-baby dyads, 200 breastfeeding sessions). Mothers were asked to grasp their breasts differently (palmar or scissor grasp) in each breastfeeding session. Milk intake was determined by test weighing. Results: One hundred mother-baby dyads were included in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between scissor grasp (34.60 ± 22.16 mL) and palmar grasp (38.30 ± 27.37 mL) positions when evaluated in terms of milk intake (p = 0.13). When asked what position they prefer to breastfeed at home, the majority of them (56%) stated that they preferred scissor grasp positions. In terms of breastfeeding by hand position, there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.003) between the mothers who received breastfeeding training during pregnancy (59.2% palmar grasp position, 40.8% scissor grasp position) and the mothers who had not (29.4% palmar grasp position, 70.6% scissor grasp position). Conclusions: Our study showed that there was no difference in milk intake between palmar grasp position and scissor grasp position. The mothers should be encouraged to use the hand position that is most natural and comfortable.

Functional classification of grasp strategies used by hemiplegic patients.

This study aimed to identify and qualify grasp-types used by patients with stroke and determine the clinical parameters that could explain the use of each grasp. Thirty-eight patients with chronic stroke-related hemiparesis and a range of motor and functional capacities (17 females and 21 males, aged 25–78), and 10 healthy subjects were included. Four objects were used (tissue packet, teaspoon, bottle and tennis ball). Participants were instructed to “grasp the object as if you are going to use it”. Three trials were video-recorded for each object. A total of 456 grasps were analysed and rated using a custom-designed Functional Grasp Scale. Eight grasp-types were identified from the analysis: healthy subjects used Multi-pulpar, Pluri-digital, Lateral-pinch and Palmar grasps (Standard Grasps). Patients used the same grasps with in addition Digito-palmar, Raking, Ulnar and Interdigital grasps (Alternative Grasps). Only patients with a moderate or relatively good functional ability used Standard grasps. The correlation and regression analyses showed this was conditioned by sufficient finger and elbow extensor strength (Pluri-digital grasp); thumb extensor and wrist flexor strength (Lateral pinch) or in forearm supinator strength (Palmar grasp). By contrast, the patients who had severe impairment used Alternative grasps that did not involve the thumb. These strategies likely compensate specific impairments. Regression and correlation analyses suggested that weakness had a greater influence over grasp strategy than spasticity. This would imply that treatment should focus on improving hand strength and control although reducing spasticity may be useful in some cases.

Novel information on anatomic factors causing grasp reflex in frontal lobe infarction: a case report.

We report a patient with a severe limitation of function in the right hand resulting from grasp reflex following a stroke affecting the left anterior cerebral artery region. We describe, using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT), a disconnection between the bilateral frontal lobes via the corpus callosum. The patient could not control his right hand at all, even though his bilateral corticospinal tracts were intact. We noted that over the infarcted lesion on DTT, the white matter was invisible from the corpus callosum to the prefrontal cortex. These findings reflected a unique pattern of white-matter disconnection between the ipsilateral medial frontal lobe and ipsilateral and contralateral frontal cortex causing hand function deterioration in the form of severe grasp reflex.

Trajectory based Recovery of Index Finger Articulated Pose during Palmar Grasp

Trajectory based Recovery of Index Finger Articulated Pose during Palmar Grasp

Analysis of Palmar Grasp Strength in Term Newborns

Background: The normal motor development includes an increase of the motor repertoire throughout life. Aim: Analyze the palmar grasp strength in term newborns (TNB) during the first 72 hours after birth. Methods: Cohort prospective study, in healthy TNB. Palmar grasp strength was assessed by a simple, noninvasive and painless procedure, with the equipment M-Flex®. During the first 24-72 hours after birth, each newborn underwent a single assessment, consisting of hand width anthropometric measures and palmar grasp strength testing, where the equipment‘s rubber pad was placed at the base of fingers number 3, 4, and 5 for up to 30 seconds, performing three measurements for each hand. Assessed variables: age, time and maximum palmar grasp strength. ANOVA two-way parametric test was used considering p< 0.05 as a significant value. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: 216 newborns were included: 44 were 24 hours old, 97 were 48 hours old and 75 were 72 hours old; mean gestational age was 39 weeks (SD=1.47) and mean weight was 3167g (SD=462.9). The 72 hour-old newborns presented significantly higher palmar grasp strength when compared to 24 hour-old (F=0.2277, p=0.01) and the 48 hour-old ones (F=0.06330, p=0.01). Conclusions: There was a significant increase in the palmar grasp strength among the TNB between 24 and 72 hours after birth, indicating the integrity and maturation of brain cortex. Palmar grasp strength measurement may constitute an important resource for early neonatal neurologic assessment.

Effects of maternal deprivation on hippocampal PP1Cγ gene expression and neurobehavior of rats

Objective To investigate the effect of maternal deprivation (MD) on neurobehavior and PP1Cγgene expression in hippocampus. Methods Male pups were randomly divided into MD group(thirty-five)and control group(twenty-four). From PND 1 to PND 21 ,pups in the MD groups underwent daily maternal deprivation for 3 h ( Postnatal day). Neurobehavior was observed to investigate neurodevelopment, Morris water maze was used to measure spatial learning and memory,and Real-Time quantitative PCR was employed to analyze PP1Cγ gene expression. Results Several significant deficiencies were observed in bodyweight and grasping reflex while a great enhancement in hot-plate test in rat pups suffering from MD( (26.23 ± 2.81 )g vs. (30. 38 ± 3.85 )g;( 19.37 ± 11.89) s vs. (22.39 ± 17.62 ) s; (4.36 ± 1.76 ) s vs. ( 5.26 ± 2.55 ) s; P ＜ 0. 05 ), but deficiencies in neurological reflexes were subtle ( ( 0.83 ±- 0.30 ) s vs. ( 0. 83 ± 0. 34 ) s; ( 3.68 ± 1.63 ) s vs. ( 5.61 ± 3. 01 ) s;( 3.00 ± 0.00 ) vs. ( 3.00 ± 0. 00); P ＞ 0. 05 ). MD had a subtle influence on spatial learning and memory (P ＞0.05). Meanwhile,MD could lead to PP1Cγ expression down-regulation on PND 22 ( (2.19 ±0.62) vs. (3.52 ±0.86), P＜0. 05)which was in line with early neurobehavior results. No difference was found compared with MD group and control group on PND60 ( ( 1.73 ± 0. 78 ) vs. ( 1.33 ± 0. 34); P ＞ 0.05 ). However, there was the up-regulation of PP1Cγexpression on PND 90 ( (2.85 ± 0. 34) vs. ( 1.34 ± 0.93 ); P ＜ 0.05 ). Conclusion MD alters early neurobehavior and hippocampal PP1Cγgene expression in the Wistar rats,but has a subtle effect on learning and memory. At the same time,MD can make PP1Cγexpression in the hippocampus varying with the age. Key words: Maternal deprivation; Hippocampus; Neurobehavior; PP1Cγ

INTRATHECAL TRANSPLANTATION OF CULTURED CALF CHROMAFFIN CELLS ATTENUATE SENSORY MOTOR DYSFUNCTION IN A RAT MODEL OF NEUROPATHIC PAIN

The potential usefulness of chromaffin cells as a source of neuroactive agents for transplantation in the CNS is based on several promising features, including the diversity of biologically active neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and trophic factors produced by the cells. The purpose of this study was to test the possibility that motor as well as sensory dysfunction is reduced by cultured chromaffin cells. For this reason chromaffin cells were isolated from calf adrenal gland and were kept in DMEM-F12 at 37? C for two weeks. One week before transplantation, peripheral neuropathy was induced by a chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve of rats. At the time of transplantation, each rat received 100000-150000 cells. Behavioral tests included radiant heat, paw pinch, and, acetone. Motor function was tested by grasping reflex. The experiments illustrate that chromaffin cells can alleviate sensory and motor dysfunction consequence to peripheral nerve injury. These suggest that adrenal medullary chromaffin cells function as a local long-lasting agent at the spinal segment and further support the potential use of this approach for the treating of chronic pain.

Neural Mechanism and Clinical Significance of the Plantar Grasp Reflex in Infants

The plantar grasp reflex can be elicited in all normal infants from 25 weeks of postconceptional age until the end of 6 months of corrected age according to the expected birth date. This reflex in human infants can be regarded as a rudiment of responses that were once essential for ape infants in arboreal life. The spinal center for this reflex is probably located at the L(5)-S(2) levels, which, however, are controlled by higher brain structures. Nonprimary motor areas may exert regulatory control of the spinal reflex mechanism through interneurons. In infants, this reflex can be elicited as the result of insufficient control of the spinal mechanism by the immature brain. In adults, lesions in nonprimary motor areas may cause a release of inhibitory control by spinal interneurons, leading to a reappearance of the reflex. The plantar grasp reflex in infants is of high clinical significance. A negative or diminished reflex during early infancy is often a sensitive indicator of spasticity. Infants with athetoid type cerebral palsy exhibit an extremely strong retention of the reflex, and infants with mental retardation also exhibit a tendency toward prolonged retention of the reflex.

Anterior cerebral artery infarction

Stroke mechanisms and clinical features of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory infarction have rarely been investigated using MRI. To verify stroke mechanisms and to make clinical imaging correlation. Clinical, MRI, and angiographic findings of 100 consecutive patients with ACA infarction were studied. Motor dysfunction (n = 91) was the most common symptom, and severe motor dysfunction was related to supplementary motor area/paracentral lobule involvement (p = 0.016). Hypobulia/apathy (n = 43) was related to involvement of frontal pole (p = 0.002), corpus callosum/cingulate gyrus (p = 0.003), and superior frontal gyrus (p < 0.001), and occurred more frequently in patients with bilateral lesions followed by left lesions. Urinary incontinence (n = 30) was not related to any specific lesion locations. Grasp reflex (n = 25) was related to corpus callosum involvement (p = 0.035). Angiographic (mostly MR angiography) results showed that 68 patients had local ACA atherosclerosis, most often at A2 segment. The stroke mechanisms included cardiogenic embolism in 10, internal carotid artery-ACA embolism in 6, and ACA atherosclerosis in 61 patients. In the latter group, detailed stroke mechanisms included local branch occlusion (n = 20), in situ thrombotic occlusion (n = 20), artery-to-artery embolism (n = 12), and a combination (n = 9). Patients with intrinsic ACA disease more often had hypobulia (p = 0.077) and corpus callosal involvement (p = 0.016) than those with embolism either from the internal carotid artery or the heart. Anterior cerebral artery (ACA) atherosclerosis is the most important stroke etiology in our population, causing infarction with various mechanisms. Topographic lesion patterns and consequent clinical features of ACA infarction are determined by diverse pathogenic mechanisms and the status of collateral circulation.

Grasping reflex activity in utero is one element of fetal behavior (Grasping activity is a part of fetal ethology)

It is well known the newborns and infants activity include touching and grasping of various surrounding things lasting some months in postnatal period. The study involved observation of fetal grasping reflex during last trimester of pregnancy. The author was able to observe 6 episodes of grasping the umbilical cord in an other fetus grasping his scrotum, and another of his penis. When checked with Doppler sonography flow velocity waveforms of umbilical artery were disturbed temporarily. All fetuses were born some days or weeks later in good condition. Grasping reflex is an innocuous transitory episode from prenatal to postnatal life, without adverse sequelae. It is only one aspect of fetal behavior, and proof of its hereditary nature.

Fetal Gasping of the Umbilical Cord and Perinatal Outcome

Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey 59(4):p 244-245, April 2004. | DOI: 10.1097/01.OGX.0000119188.50282.06

Corneal Opacity and Congenital Glaucoma Associated with Massive Heparan Sulfaturia: Report of One Case

A four month-old male infant was noted to have had severe corneal opacity since birth. Buphthalmos, increased intraocular pressure and corneal opacity with neovascularization were noted during physical examination. There was neither dysmorphic face nor hirsutism and the liver and spleen were impalpable. In addition, hypotonia, poor head control, and absence of Moro and grasping reflexes were also noted. There was no evidence of congenital infection by TORCH study. Tests of both urine and plasma amino acids were within normal limits. However, excessive urinary excretion of heparan sulfate was detected by thin-layer chromatography. Corneal transplantation was performed at 6 months old. Histopathological examination of the corneal button showed homogeneous thickening of Bowmen's membrane and intracytoplasmic pinkish substances in corneal stroma. The Alcian blue stain was positive, which was consistent with mucopolysaccharidosis of cornea. The manifestation of this case may be a clinical variant of Sanfihippo's syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type Ⅲ).

Human growth hormone may differentially influence the grasp reflex in human neonates on the basis of genetically predetermined neural pattern of brain organization in utero.

The relations of the grasp-reflex strengths from right (R) and left (L) hands to human growth hormone (hGH) levels were studied in human neonates within the first day after birth. In right-handed (RH) males without familial sinistrality (-FS), grasp reflex from right and left hands directly correlated with hGH. In RH, -FS females, grasp reflex from right and left hands inversely correlated with hGH. In -FS, LH males, grasp reflex from right and left inversely correlated with hGH (no significant correlations in LH, -FS females). The R-L grasp reflex decreased linearly with hGH, only in RH, -FS males. These results indicated that hGH may affect cerebral development according to genetically predetermined neural patterns in utero.

The alien hand and related signs.

Alien limb sign includes failure to recognise ownership of one's limb when visual cues are removed, a feeling that one body part is foreign, personification of the affected body part, and autonomous activity which is perceived as outside voluntary control. Although the hand is most frequently affected, any limb or combination of limbs may fulfil the alien limb criteria. Alien hand sign should be reserved for cases in which the hand feels foreign together with observable involuntary motor activity. To characterise this phenomenon, seven patients with alien hand sign and other motor or behavioural manifestations are described. Aetiologies included multiple infarcts and cortobasal ganglionic degeneration (CBD). In this study, all patients had apraxia in response to verbal commands and problems with bimanual coordination. Most displayed non-goal directed involuntary motor activities, and two had self destructive motor behaviours. Grasp reflex occurred with alien hand due to either aetiology. Cortical reflex myoclonus was frequently seen in CBD patients. The phenomenological spectrum is reviewed, a diagnostic protocol proposed, and possible anatomical bases of alien hand discussed.

Lateralization of the grasp reflex in male and female human newborns.

The lateralization of the grasp reflex was studied in male and female newborns. The mean grasp-reflex strength of the right hand was found to be higher than that of the left hand in males, but the difference was not significant. The mean grasp-reflex strength of the right hand was found to be significantly higher than that of the left hand in females. There was no significant difference between the mean grasp-reflex strengths of the right hand in the male and female subjects. The mean reflex strength of the left hand was found to be higher in males than females; the difference was only marginally significant. The right minus left (R - L) reflex strength showed a significant positive linear relation to the right-and left-reflex strengths in both sexes. This was, however, much more pronounced for the right-reflex than the left-reflex. There was a significantly positive linear correlation between the reflex strengths of the right and left hands and the body weight in males. The females did not show such a relationship between reflex strength and body weight. These sex-related differences in the grasp reflex in newborns were discussed in light of cerebral lateralization and its hormonal modulation.