New Research Explores the Relationship Between Primitive Reflexes and Childhood Constipation
Published: September 2026
Category: Research and Evidence
Could neuromotor development be relevant to understanding some childhood difficulties beyond movement and learning?
A new study published in Scientific Reports explores the relationship between primitive reflex profiles, sensorimotor development and functional constipation in children. The findings add to an emerging area of research investigating how neuromotor function may relate to wider aspects of childhood development.
What did the researchers investigate?
The researchers examined 663 children, including 47 children with sensorimotor difficulties and faecal retention. They assessed 11 primitive reflexes and investigated the effects of an individualised primitive reflex inhibition training programme.
The children in the intervention group completed daily exercises at home, with parental supervision and follow-up assessments.
The study explored whether changes in primitive reflex integration were associated with changes in faecal retention.
What did the study find?
The researchers reported an association between particular primitive reflex profiles and faecal retention.
They also found that improvements in reflex integration were associated with reductions in faecal retention during the intervention period. Relationships between different reflexes were also identified, suggesting that these responses may need to be considered within the wider context of sensorimotor development.
These findings raise interesting questions about the relationship between neuromotor development and childhood functioning.
However, an association does not establish cause and effect. The study does not demonstrate that retained primitive reflexes cause constipation, or that reflex inhibition training alone accounts for the improvements reported.
Why is this research relevant to INPP?
The INPP approach places the assessment of neuromotor development at the centre of its work. Primitive reflexes are considered alongside postural responses, balance, coordination and other aspects of development.
Research investigating relationships between primitive reflex profiles and wider functional outcomes is therefore of interest to the field.
This study provides an opportunity to consider how neuromotor development might be investigated in relation to difficulties that are not traditionally regarded as motor problems.
It is important, however, to distinguish between research into a related intervention and research specifically evaluating the INPP programme. This study investigated primitive reflex inhibition training; it was not a direct evaluation of the INPP individual programme.
What can we conclude?
The findings are interesting, but further research is needed.
The intervention group was relatively small, and the study does not establish whether the reported improvements were caused by the intervention. Larger, controlled studies would help clarify the relationship between primitive reflex profiles, sensorimotor development and faecal retention.
For practitioners, the study reinforces the importance of approaching each child as an individual, considering development in its wider context and remaining attentive to emerging research without drawing conclusions beyond the evidence.
For parents, it is important to remember that persistent constipation requires appropriate medical assessment and management. Sensorimotor interventions should not replace established healthcare.
Continuing to build the evidence base
At INPP UK, we are interested in research that advances understanding of neuromotor development and its possible relationship to everyday functioning.
Studies such as this contribute to the conversation, while highlighting the need for further investigation.
As the evidence develops, well-designed research will be essential in establishing which approaches may be helpful, for whom, and under what circumstances.
Read the original research
Primitive reflex profiles and sensorimotor intervention in children with functional constipation and faecal retention
Published in Scientific Reports, September 2026.
Read the full research paper on Nature
Visit the INPP UK blog for further articles on primitive reflexes, neuromotor development, learning and the developing evidence base.