Primitive reflexes are automatic stereotyped movements, present in the first year of life aiding birthing and development of motor, sensory and visual systems. Prolonged presence of primitive reflexes indicates an increased risk of neuromotor immaturity. Interventions to reduce primitive reflex involvement lead to improvements in children’s motor coordination, pro-social behaviour, and academic learning. This study sought to discover if a neuromotor movement programme is feasible and acceptable in an early childhood centre in New Zealand. Using a single-centre, two-arm, single-blinded, pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) design, 11 children (mean age = 4.2 years) were randomised to the intervention or control group. Feasibility of a conducting a full-scale trial of the intervention was quantitatively assessed by examining rate of recruitment, acceptance and effectiveness of randomisation, and participant burden. Feasibility of intervention delivery was quantitatively assessed by programme adherence and safety. Acceptability was qualitatively assessed by semi-structured interviews with parents and teachers and are discussed elsewhere. Findings supported several aspects of running a full-scale trial, such as participant recruitment (81%), effectiveness of balanced randomisation (Māori/non-Māori, age, sex), acceptance of randomisation (100%), with consistent improvements in intervention adherence and safe delivery (100%). Results suggest a future full-scale trial is feasible, with changes to the study design to increase participant assessments and regularity of delivery. Future studies can draw on strengths and recommendations, allowing greater time for intervention delivery and larger sample sizes to measure effect. This offers the potential to enhance children’s learning, behaviour and physical development in New Zealand and beyond.

Authors:
Leanne Seniloli, Manukau Institute of Technology, New Zealand
Kelly Jones, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Charmaine Bright, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

About the Presenter(s)
Leanne Seniloli, (B.Tchg (ECE), Pg Dip. NDT (INPP),M.Phil) is Senior Lecturer at MIT NZ. Interests include Neuromotor Readiness for Learning, movement and nature. She is founder of Without Limits Learning, and the author of 'Simply L.O.V.E'.

Connect on Linkedin
https://nz.linkedin.com/in/leanne-seniloli

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Leanne-Seniloli-2

Additional website of interest
http://withoutlimitslearning.com

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