CLINICAL AND ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF "SPINAL REFLEXES" IN PREMATURE AND FULL-TERM INFANTS

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Abstract
"Reflexes of medullary automatism" or simply, "spinal reflexes" were studied electromyo-graphically in 90 premature and 82 full-term infants. The most reliable method of eliciting reflexes in both groups was that of exerting strong pressure on the point of the femoral nerve where it leaves the inguinal canal. The reflex was designated as the "crossed inguinal extension reflex." The prematures responded with full extension while this response was obtained in only 25% of the full-term infants. The remainder of the latter group showed responses of lower grades, most often that of 3/4 full extension. During ontogenetic development the reflex becomes altered in the form of diminished extension. In the full-term group the reflex disappeared soon after the new-born age while in the premature group, although it usually was a lower grade response, it could be elicited until about one year of age. Electromyographic records showed simultaneous contraction of both extensor and flexor muscle groups during extension and flexion reflexes. This had been designated as a "co-reflex" phenomenon.