Early Motor Development, Posture & Reflexes
What New Research Reveals — and Why Chiropractic Care Matters
Early motor development plays a critical role in long-term posture, coordination, and reflex integration. New 2024 research shows that infants who were passively placed upright too early are more likely to experience postural dysfunction and retained primitive reflexes later in childhood. Chiropractic care supports healthy neuromusculoskeletal development by promoting active movement, reflex integration, posture, and nervous system regulation across all stages of growth.
Why Early Development Still Matters Years Later
How a baby moves in their first year of life can influence how they sit, stand, balance, and coordinate well into childhood and adolescence. A newly published 2024 peer-reviewed study has confirmed something many paediatric chiropractors observe clinically every day:
early movement patterns shape long-term posture and motor control.
The research examined children aged 9–14 years and found strong links between early passive verticalisation, delayed motor milestones, and later postural and coordination difficulties. These findings are highly relevant for families, healthcare providers, and chiropractors supporting children in Mosman, Sydney’s North Shore, and beyond.
What Did the Research Study?
The study titled “The Assessment of Postural–Motor, Coordination, and Reflex Functions in Children and Adolescents with a History of Premature Verticalization” analysed 120 children divided into two groups:
Children with diagnosed postural defects
Children with normal posture and motor development
Researchers retrospectively assessed early infancy history (first 12 months) and evaluated:
Posture and spinal alignment
Motor coordination and balance
Presence of retained primitive reflexes
Early use of passive positioning devices (walkers, loungers, seats)
Key Findings
Children with postural dysfunction showed significantly higher rates of retained primitive reflexes
Early passive upright positioning correlated strongly with later motor coordination challenges
The most influential developmental window was 3–12 months of age
Statistically significant differences were found across posture, coordination, and reflex testing (p < 0.001)
Click here to see the paper.
Understanding Primitive Reflexes and Posture
Primitive reflexes are automatic movement patterns present at birth. They help infants survive and begin interacting with their environment. As the brain matures, these reflexes should integrate, allowing higher-level motor control to develop.
When reflexes such as:
ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)
STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex)
Moro reflex
remain active beyond infancy, they can interfere with:
The study confirmed that children with postural defects had higher levels of retained reflex activity, reinforcing the importance of early neurological development.
Passive Verticalisation: Why Timing Matters
Passive verticalisation refers to placing a baby upright before they have developed the neurological and muscular control to do so themselves. This includes prolonged use of:
Baby walkers
Supported sitting devices
Upright carriers without trunk control
The research showed that infants exposed to early passive verticalisation were more likely to experience:
Compensatory movement patterns
Reduced core stability
Long-term postural imbalance
Chiropractors working with babies and children emphasise active, self-initiated movement — such as tummy time, rolling, crawling, and transitional movements — because these activities help wire the nervous system appropriately.
Why This Research Matters for Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, posture, and movement. This study reinforces the chiropractic perspective that posture and coordination are not isolated issues — they are neurological.
Chiropractic care can support children by:
Assessing posture, balance, and motor coordination
Screening for retained primitive reflex patterns
Supporting spinal and joint mobility
Encouraging healthy neuromuscular communication
Educating parents on optimal developmental movement
At clinics like Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman, care is gentle, age-appropriate, and focused on long-term function, not just symptom relief.
From Infancy to Adolescence: Supporting Healthy Development
Early developmental challenges don’t always show up immediately. Often, they emerge later as:
Poor posture
Frequent falls or clumsiness
Difficulty sitting still
Ongoing neck, back, or headache complaints
Sports coordination challenges
The research highlights why early assessment and ongoing monitoring matter — especially during growth spurts, school years, and adolescence.
Chiropractors trained in paediatric care can identify subtle dysfunctions early and support families with movement-based strategies that complement medical and allied health care.
Practical Takeaways for Parents
Prioritise floor-based play and active movement in the first year
Limit prolonged use of passive positioning devices
Watch for persistent asymmetries, coordination difficulties, or posture changes
Seek early assessment if concerns arise — earlier support often leads to better outcomes
Early Movement Shapes Lifelong Function
This 2024 research reinforces what modern developmental science and chiropractic philosophy both recognise:
movement in the first year of life lays the foundation for posture, coordination, and neurological function later on.
By supporting active development, reflex integration, and healthy spinal mechanics, chiropractic care plays a valuable role in helping children grow with confidence, balance, and resilience.
FAQ
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Yes. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment, posture, movement patterns, and nervous system function, which are all key contributors to healthy posture in children.
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They are early reflexes that should integrate during infancy. When retained, they may affect coordination, posture, balance, and learning.
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Paediatric chiropractic care uses gentle, age-appropriate techniques and is commonly used to support movement, posture, and comfort.
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Yes. Research shows that early motor experiences influence neuromuscular development well into adolescence.
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Anytime — but especially if there are concerns with posture, coordination, development, or recurrent discomfort.
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Gieysztor, E. et al. (2024). The Assessment of Postural–Motor, Coordination, and Reflex Functions in Children and Adolescents with a History of Premature Verticalization. Children (MDPI).
McPhillips, M., & Jordan-Black, J. (2007). Primary reflex persistence and motor problems in children.
Hadders-Algra, M. (2018). Early motor development and neurological outcomes.
World Health Organization. Infant motor development guidelines.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This information is educational only and is not intended to replace individual medical advice. Chiropractors do not claim to “treat” medical conditions in infants. If you have concerns about your baby’s health or development, please consult your GP, paediatrician, or other qualified health professional.