Plantar Grasp Reflex

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

A type of spinal reflex

Timing

  • Onset 28 weeks
  • Integration 9 months

Testing

  • Test position: supine, head in midline, LE relaxed
  • Test procedure: supported standing on feet or pressure on sole of foot just distal to MT heads
  • Positive response: flexion or curling of toes
  • Negative response: toes remain relaxed

Significance

Persistence interferes w stance, balance and walking

Assessment

Plantar grasp can sometimes cause claw toes, which is seen during the stance phase of gait analysis1

References

1.
O’Sullivan SB, Schmitz TJ, eds. Improving Functional Outcomes in Physical Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. F.A. Davis Company; 2016.

Citation

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