How can Movement Restrictions Impact a Child’s Brain Development?

Recent studies have indicated that nervous system development and brain growth may be linked with movement and sensory input. The findings suggest “mobility restrictions or insufficient sensory stimuli impact the production of new brain cells and brain development” and that “by testing whether early deficits in sensory experience similarly restrict human brain growth, our findings offer a novel approach to combatting such deficits to maintain normal brain development [1].”

Two recent studies [2,3] clearly suggest the possibility that movement restrictions in the postnatal stage may be critical to brain development.

In another study [4], reduced range of motion was found in:

•  76.1% of infants born vaginally without intervention
•  75% of infants delivered with forceps
•  88.9% of vacuum-assisted deliveries
•  82.3% of infants born via caesarean section

These studies suggest the possibility that correcting restrictions in joints in a newborn may improve brain growth and nervous system function which is very important as the whole structure and function of our body is controlled through the nervous system.

This potentially makes infants and children the most significant time window in terms of chiropractic care due to its impact on optimal nervous system development.

Contact our friendly front desk team on 9341 3020 today to book an appointment with one of our chiropractors to assess how your child’s motion restrictions are impacting them.

Dr Barry Smith
Chiropractor

1. University of Toronto. “Scientists uncover connection between post-natal sensory experiences and brain development: Findings reveal opportunities for interventions to overcome barriers to cognitive development.” Science Daily. 16 April 2018. sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180016124313.htmRetrieved 2 April 2019
2. HALL ZJ and Tropepe V (2018). “Movement maiantains forebrain neurogenesis via peripheral neural feedback in larval zebrafish.” eLife, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.pmc/articles/PMC5847330/?fbclild=IwAR3PRQCnqF12YPIqhsdFhTVxE6SRuFyl6BulgcMLai0xyfD1b9bHExrHwRIretrieved 2 April 2019
3. Hall ZJ and Tropepe V (2018), “Visual experience facilitates BDNF-Dependant Adaptive Recruitment of New Neurons in the Postembryonic Optic Tectum.” The Journal of Neuroscience, February 21 2018, 38 (8):2000-2014, http://www.jneurosci.org/content/jneuro/38/8/2000.full.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0NGjyojSVExAH6mLloINDFFpYIKoG8zZGtd04JjGDRXzqYF0X7jx9yd18retreived 2 April 2019
4. Fludder C, and Keil B (2018) “Instrument Assisted Delivery and the Prevalence of Reduced Cervical Spine Range of Motion,” Chiropractic Journal of Australia. Retrieved 28 November 2018.

May 20, 2020 By Dr Barry Smith

B.Sc. (Chiro), B.Chiro(Hons), I.C.S.S.D. DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC

Dr Smith is one of the directors of Karrinyup Wellness Centre where he has been practising since 2007. He graduated from Murdoch University with honours and has worked in multi-disciplinary clinics that emphasise paediatric and family care around Australia as well as here in Perth.

In practice, Dr Smith treats families, pregnant mums and children. His enthusiasm and energy give him the ability to work with, engage and captivate the children under his care. He has broad training in a range of chiropractic techniques and extensive training in Neural Organisation Technique and Applied Kinesiology.