RelationshiP between DevelopDlent

The study was designed to consider the possible relationshIp between the development and integratIon of the body-righting reaction and the development of manual midline crossing behavior in learning-dIsabled and normal children aged 6 to 8 years (23 subjects in eflch group). A combination of three movement patterns (rolling from supzne to prone, transition from supine to standing, and equilibrium in sitting) was used to analyze the bodyrighting reaction. The Space Visualization Contralateral Use (SVCU) score derived from the Southern California Space Visualization Test was used to measure manual midlzne crossing behavior. Results of the study found that the learning-disabled subjects exhibited significantly reduced performance on both test measures, when compared to the normal controls. A correlation between scores on the two tests did not reach significance. The findings are described as they relate to sensory integration testing, and the need for further study of the bodyrighting reaction and manual midline crossing behavior. B ehaviors characterizing ontogenetic development comprise a complex interweaving of predetermined biological-neurological factors that the individual adapts to the demands of the environment (I). This theory, proposed by Gilfoyle and Grady (I), depicted postural reflex maturation and the development of adaptive motor responses as interrelated factors-maturation in one area facilitating maturation in the other. If this theory is correct and an interrelationship between developing behaviors