Other research shows that the cerebellum is critical for the ability to read (Alvarez & Fiez, 2018) and that cerebellar deficits are linked with reading challenges (Nicolson et al., 2001). Since the innate rhythmic movements help the cerebellum to mature and to function better, that could help with both visual skills and reading ability.

A second point made by Dr. Blomberg is that the innate rhythmic movements mature the brainstem. Once the brainstem is mature, it can better moderate muscle tone. Proper muscle tone is crucial to the development of the eye muscles for visual skills.

A third reason that innate rhythmic movements could help with visual issues is that they help to integrate primitive reflexes, and together with reflexes, the rhythmic movements develop postural stability and visual skills. How important is postural stability? Without postural stability, it is very hard to develop visual skills (Goddard Blythe, 2017).

Integration of primitive reflexes is just as important to the development of visual skills as the innate rhythmic movements. And the combination of the two is excellent for vision as you can see here:

 

Below, you'll find three compelling case studies showing measurable improvements in visual processing using the movements from the Brain and Sensory Foundations program. In addition, I've included several research studies* showing the connection between retained reflexes and visual processing issues. Plus there are four research studies outlined below showing the benefits of reflex integration for helping with visual issues, headaches, and learning**.

 

This little girl struggled with visual memory and tracking skills. Find out how
rhythmic movements and primitive reflex integration made a big difference --
the numbers are impressive!

Thank you to Sue Lapp OTR/L for this case study.

"If eyesight is found to be normal but there is a cluster of abnormal reflexes, a reflex stimulation/inhibition program can make a profound difference to both oculo-motor and visual-perceptual skills. A vision therapist working in the Netherlands found that he achieved the greatest success if he delayed vision therapy until a child had at least six months on a reflex stimulation/inhibition program. In many cases, vision therapy was not required after the reflexes had matured. In those cases where residual oculo-motor problems remained, the time needed on a vision therapy program was halved (Ten Hoopen 1995)."

"In 2001, Bein-Wierzbinski, a former postgraduate student at Institute for NeuroPhysiological Psychology, presented the findings of a study of 52 elementary school children in Germany. She had investigated whether disturbances in oculo-motor function and visual perception could be corrected by means of an appropriate motor training program which focused on early motor development and primitive reflexes. All of the children were examined for abnormal reflexes, and eye movements were assessed using an infra-red computerized eye-tracking machine. One half of the children who had abnormal reflexes were given a reflex stimulation/inhibition program. The other half were examined both at the beginning and the end of the program but were not included in any training. A further six children who had reading and writing problems but no abnormal reflexes were also assessed at the beginning and the conclusion of the study to document any developmental improvements which might have occurred normally during the intervening time. She found improvement in oculo-motor functioning and reading skills as persistent reflexes were corrected. Oculo-motor defects continued to persist in the control group, who had not received specific motor-training exercises."

Below are highlights from a recent study on how integration of primitive reflexes can help with visual issues

"The results suggest a relationship between the body and the visual system, as well as between inhibition of PRs and improvement in VP. We establish that PR inhibition balances visual asymmetries and improves visual fixation. Around 80% of the children improved . . ."

(Domingo-Sanz, 2022, p 192).

Here is one other piece of the puzzle about why the primitive reflexes are so important for vision: Human beings are innately wired to develop our visual systems in infancy--and this visual development cannot fully happen without the action of the primitive reflexes! You can read more on this theme here or tap the graphic below.

If you come across more research or insights about vision and innate infant movements, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.!