Tilt Reactions in Sitting in Normal and Learning Disabled Children

Abstract

A descriptive analysis of tilt reactions in sitting was conducted with 46 (23 normal and 23 learning disabled) children, aged six to eight years. The purpose of the study was to analyze the composition of normal tilt reactions in sitting and to identify factors which differentiate the tilt reactions of learning disabled children from those of normal children. The frequency of postural reactions significantly changed with angle of lateral displacement, such that an integral association between vertical righting reactions, rotational righting reactions, and protective limb movements was cited; the pattern being similar in the normal and learning disabled groups. Between group differences consisted of a general increase in frequency of VERTICAL RIGHTING plus PROTECTIVE REACTIONS and an angular related decrease in frequency of VERTICAL RIGHTING plus ROTATIONAL RIGHTING REACTIONS in the learning disabled group when compared to the normal control group.