Rhythmic Movement Training International (RMTi) https://rhythmicmovement.org/
Rhythmic Movement Training (RMT) includes specific rhythmic movements which imitate instinctual baby movements, to stimulate new connections being made in the brain in order to help the brain and nervous system mature and integrate primitive infant reflexes.
RMT is particularly useful for persons with such challenges as ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, co-ordination difficulties, developmental, speech and learning delays, sensory processing disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and many other challenges. RMT assists with improvements in areas including:
RMT orginated in Stockholm, Sweden by Kerstin Linde in the 1970s when she began using movements with a rhythmic element for people with developmental and movement challenges. Kerstin Linde devised a series of movements based on what infants typically instinctively do in the first few months of life to integrate their primitive reflexes. Integrating primitive reflexes through these instinctual baby movements is found to lay critical foundations in the nervous system such as related to development, learning, coordination, behaviour, posture, regulation of emotions, etc.
This rhythmic movement program was further developed by psychiatrist Dr. Blomberg, MD, of Stockholm, Sweden who noticed that these movements had a positive impact on social, emotional and cognitive functions of his patients; he studied with other leading specialists in neuro-development to understand why and used this work in his psychiatric practice for many years. Dr. Blomberg developed a formal program including rhythmic movements. The movements included in the program are similar to the movements which a baby uses to integrate his or her infant reflexes. He currently teaches this work under his organization called Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training (BRMT).
This rhythmic movement program was also further developed by Moira Dempsey who has expanded theory and movement manuals and continues to teach this work around the world. Moira founded the organization called Rhythmic Movement Training International (RMTi)
RMT is particularly useful for persons with such challenges as ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, co-ordination difficulties, developmental, speech and learning delays, sensory processing disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and many other challenges. RMT assists with improvements in areas including:
- Anxiety/panic/emotional problems
- Hypersensitivity/phobias
- Balance/coordination/posture
- Learning disabilities
- ADHD/impulsivity
- Focus/memory
- Reading/writing/math
- Speech/articulation
RMT orginated in Stockholm, Sweden by Kerstin Linde in the 1970s when she began using movements with a rhythmic element for people with developmental and movement challenges. Kerstin Linde devised a series of movements based on what infants typically instinctively do in the first few months of life to integrate their primitive reflexes. Integrating primitive reflexes through these instinctual baby movements is found to lay critical foundations in the nervous system such as related to development, learning, coordination, behaviour, posture, regulation of emotions, etc.
This rhythmic movement program was further developed by psychiatrist Dr. Blomberg, MD, of Stockholm, Sweden who noticed that these movements had a positive impact on social, emotional and cognitive functions of his patients; he studied with other leading specialists in neuro-development to understand why and used this work in his psychiatric practice for many years. Dr. Blomberg developed a formal program including rhythmic movements. The movements included in the program are similar to the movements which a baby uses to integrate his or her infant reflexes. He currently teaches this work under his organization called Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training (BRMT).
This rhythmic movement program was also further developed by Moira Dempsey who has expanded theory and movement manuals and continues to teach this work around the world. Moira founded the organization called Rhythmic Movement Training International (RMTi)
What are Primitive Reflexes?
Primitive reflexes are "reflexive actions" that arise from the Central Nervous System (CNS) in response to a stimulus, in normally developing infants. The infants engage in a variety of instinctual rhythmical baby movements to stimulate his or her brain to integrate the primitive reflexes (see video below). There are certain developmental sequences in which this integrating of reflexes occurs, and this is considered a maturing process. These primitive reflexes should not be present in "neurologically intact" adults, but sometimes are still found to present in adults due to various reasons, as well as children with various physical and/or genetic challenges. The primitive reflexes are said to be retained or un-integrated. Testing for retained primitive reflexes can be completed by someone trained to know what to look for.
The presense of retained primitive reflexes can wreak havoc on a nervous system. Based on the reflex that is still present, there are a number of symptoms as cited in the literature, that can be observed in these individuals.
The video below on the left shows the baby engaging in a hands and knees rocking movement naturally. The video on the right, shows another baby engaging in a natural crawling movement while staying in one place. To many, it appears as though these babies are teaching themselves to crawl, but there is really a lot more going on in the brain and nervous system! These are two of the 17 different rhythmic movements that babies have been shown to engage in naturally to stimulate their brains. Babies NEED to spend lots of time on the floor for "tummy time", as well as for rolling, crawling and engaging in these amazing instinctual baby movements!
The presense of retained primitive reflexes can wreak havoc on a nervous system. Based on the reflex that is still present, there are a number of symptoms as cited in the literature, that can be observed in these individuals.
The video below on the left shows the baby engaging in a hands and knees rocking movement naturally. The video on the right, shows another baby engaging in a natural crawling movement while staying in one place. To many, it appears as though these babies are teaching themselves to crawl, but there is really a lot more going on in the brain and nervous system! These are two of the 17 different rhythmic movements that babies have been shown to engage in naturally to stimulate their brains. Babies NEED to spend lots of time on the floor for "tummy time", as well as for rolling, crawling and engaging in these amazing instinctual baby movements!
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RMT helps the brain to make new connections which are needed for further developmental growth to improve attention, emotional and self regulation.
Reflex Related Websites, Authors, etc.
Harald Blomberg, M.D. Harald Blomberg M.D, is a specialist in psychiatry, with more than twenty years experience with helping children and adults with problems that include motor problems, attention deficit problems, learning disability and autism. Harald Blomberg teaches a number of courses in Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training in Sweden and all over the world. Harald has founded his own organization called Blomberg Rhythmic Movement Training.
Moira Dempsey, Educational Kinesiologist. Moira Dempsey is an Educational Kinesiologist from Australia who is a Certified Brain Gym, Touch for Health, Rhythmic Movement Training and RESET instructor. She has taught workshops on Facial Reflex Integration and Tactile Integration throughout the world - including the USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Poland, Dubai, Bahrain and South Africa. Moira teaches the RMT level 3 class as well as the Fear Paralysis course, and Facial Reflexes, Language and Bonding. Moira has founded the Rhythmic Movement Training International organization.
Sally Goddard Blythe, MSc. FRSA, "Author of several books on child development, is a freelance consultant in neuro-developmental education and Director of the pioneering Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology in Chester (INPP). The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology was set up in 1975 by PhD Psychologist Peter Blythe with the aim of researching into the effect of immaturity in the functioning of the central nervous system on specific learning difficulties and adults suffering from agoraphobia and panic disorder." (Quote taken from website)
Sally is the author of several books related to retained reflexes and general child development:
- Movements that Heal.(2011). By Dr. Harald Blomberg and Moira Dempsey.
Moira Dempsey, Educational Kinesiologist. Moira Dempsey is an Educational Kinesiologist from Australia who is a Certified Brain Gym, Touch for Health, Rhythmic Movement Training and RESET instructor. She has taught workshops on Facial Reflex Integration and Tactile Integration throughout the world - including the USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Poland, Dubai, Bahrain and South Africa. Moira teaches the RMT level 3 class as well as the Fear Paralysis course, and Facial Reflexes, Language and Bonding. Moira has founded the Rhythmic Movement Training International organization.
- Movements that Heal.(2011). By Dr. Harald Blomberg and Moira Dempsey.
Sally Goddard Blythe, MSc. FRSA, "Author of several books on child development, is a freelance consultant in neuro-developmental education and Director of the pioneering Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology in Chester (INPP). The Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology was set up in 1975 by PhD Psychologist Peter Blythe with the aim of researching into the effect of immaturity in the functioning of the central nervous system on specific learning difficulties and adults suffering from agoraphobia and panic disorder." (Quote taken from website)
Sally is the author of several books related to retained reflexes and general child development:
- The Genius of Natural Childhood: Secrets of Thriving Children (2011)
- Attention, Balance and Coordination: The A.B.C. of Learning Success (2009)
- Reflexes, Learning and Behaviour. A Window into the Child's Mind : A Non-Invasive Approach to Solving Learning & Behavior Problems. (2005)
- What Babies and Children REALLY Need: How mothers and fathers can Nurture Children’s Growth for Health and Well-being. (2008)
- The Well Balanced Child: Movement and Early Learning (2006)
Reflex Related Research Articles (if you are interested email me and I can send you some of the other research articles I have listed)
- Berne, S.A. (2006) The primitive reflexes: Treatment considerations in the infant. Optometry and Vision Development:37(3):139-145.
- Brain Fitness Strategies Study about Reading Levels using RMT
- Capute AJ, Shapiro BK, Palmer FB, Accardo PJ, Wachtel RC. Primitive reflexes: a factor in nonverbal language in early infancy. In: Stark, ed. Language behavior in infancy and early childhood. North Holland: Elsevier, 1981; 157–61.
- Capute, A. J., Palmer, F. B., Shapiro, B. K., Wachtel, R. C., Ross, A., Accardo, P. J. (1982). Primitive reflex profile: A quantitation of primitive reflexes in infancy. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 26, 375–383.
- Fawcett AJ, Nicholson RI. Persistent deficits in motor skill of children with dyslexia. J Mot Behavior 1994; 27: 235–39.
- Fawcett AJ, Nicolson RI, Dean P. Impaired performance of children with dyslexia on a range of cerebellar tests. Ann Dyslexia 1996; 46: 259–83.
- Goddard-Blythe & Hyland (1998) Goddard-Blythe, S. & Hyland, D. (1998). Screening for neurological dysfunction in the specific learning difficulty child. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 459-464.
- Goddard, S. (1995). The Role of Reflexes in the Development of the Visual System. The Journal of Behavioural Optometry Vol. 6: 2.
- Gonzales, S.R., Ciuffreda. K., Hernandez, L.C., & Escalante, J.B. (2008). The correlation between primitive reflexes and saccadic eye movements in 5th grade children with teacher-reported reading problems. Optometry and Vision Development : 39(3):140.
- INPP - Includes a full list of articles and books related to work with reflexes and movement that Sally Goddard-Blythe and Peter Blythe have done as a part of their work in the UK.
- McPhillips, M., Hepper, P.G., & Mulhern, G. (2000). Effects of replicating primary-reflex movements on specific reading difficulties in children: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial. The Lancet. Vol 355: February 12, 2000.
- McPhillips, M. & Sheehy, N. (2004). Prevalence of Persistent Primary Reflexes and Motor Problems in Children with Reading Difficulties. DYSLEXIA 10: 316–338.
- McPhillips, M. & Jordan-Black, J. A. (2007). Primary reflex persistence in children with reading difficulties (dyslexia): A cross-sectional study. Neuropsychologia, 45: 748–754
- Morrison DC. Neurobehavioural and perceptual dysfunction in learning disabled children. Lewiston, NY: C J Hogrefe, 1985.
- Ramus, F., Pidgeon, E., & Frith, U. (2003). The relationship between motor control and phonology in dyslexic children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44(5), 712–722.
- Schmahmann JD, Sherman JC. The cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome. Brain 1998; 121: 561–79.
- Taylor, M., Houghton, S. & Chapman, E. (2004). Primitive reflexes and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: Developmental origins of classroom dysfunction. International Journal of Special Education, Vol 19:1.
- Wilkinson, G.J. (1994). The relationship of primitive postural reflexes to learning difficulties and underachievement. Unpublished master’s thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne School of Education, Newcastle, England.
- Zafeiriou, D. I. (2004). Primitive Reflexes and Postural Reactions in the Neurodevelopmental Examination. PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY Vol. 31 No. 1
Other Reflex Related Books (there are more I need to add!..)
Gold, S. (1997). If kids just came with instruction sheets: Creating a world without child abuse. Oregon, USA: Fern Ridge Press.
Hannaford, C. (1995). Smart moves: Why learning is not all in your head. Virginia: Great Ocean Publishers.
Hannaford, C. (1995). Smart moves: Why learning is not all in your head. Virginia: Great Ocean Publishers.
Other Interesting Articles
Videogame BabysittersThe repercussions of electronic distractions
How your nervous system sabotages your ability to relate: An interview with Stephen Porges about his polyvagal theory
Ritalin gone wrong (New York Times Sunday Review)
Observations on Cognitive and Psychological Aspects of Vestibular Disorders - This article published by the Vestibular Disorder's Association, outlines how problems or deficits in the vestibular system can affect many different areas of functioning. It takes the perspective of an adult who has lost significant vestibular functioning and how they need to re-adapt and deal with the deficits. It is also very applicable to think about children who never had well developed vestibular functioning in the first place!
Tummy Time: Lack of Crawling blamed for developmental delays
Diagnosing the Wrong Deficit: ADHD or Sleep Disturbances?
How your nervous system sabotages your ability to relate: An interview with Stephen Porges about his polyvagal theory
Ritalin gone wrong (New York Times Sunday Review)
Observations on Cognitive and Psychological Aspects of Vestibular Disorders - This article published by the Vestibular Disorder's Association, outlines how problems or deficits in the vestibular system can affect many different areas of functioning. It takes the perspective of an adult who has lost significant vestibular functioning and how they need to re-adapt and deal with the deficits. It is also very applicable to think about children who never had well developed vestibular functioning in the first place!
Tummy Time: Lack of Crawling blamed for developmental delays
Diagnosing the Wrong Deficit: ADHD or Sleep Disturbances?
Do You or Your Child Experience Difficulties that Might be Helped with Reflex Integration or other Movement Programs?
Check out the free screening questionnaires for Children and Adults
Also, check out the Quick Functional Screening by Fern Ridge Press.
Also, check out the Quick Functional Screening by Fern Ridge Press.