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.