Reflex movements occur when the body responds automatically to specific stimuli, often in the joints. Doctors use reflex tests to check the nervous system’s function, including the knee, Babinski, biceps, ankle, and grasp reflexes. Hand-eye coordination is also a form of reflex testing.
A reflex movement is a condition in which the human body automatically responds to specific man-made conditions. This typically happens in the joints when specific pressure points are stimulated. During a regular medical checkup, a doctor will do a reflex test to make sure that the body’s nerves are working properly.
Reflex testing typically requires a doctor to gently tap specific pressure points with a small, tomahawk-shaped rubber instrument. When these pressure points are hit, the body should respond by default with a jerky movement of the joint area being tested. Reflexes are related to the central nervous system and spinal cord, and reflexes typically weaken with age.
The best known reflex test is the knee test. With the test, a patient is directed to sit on a table with their knee hanging over the edge. The doctor will hit the pressure point under the kneecap with the tomahawk rubber mallet. If the nerves respond correctly, the knee will immediately force the leg up in a reflex motion.
The Babinski reflex test is designed to test the nervous system by rubbing the sole of the foot. This tests the nerves within the spinal cord. If an individual has nerve damage, it will be indicated by their big toe shooting straight up, while the other four toes fan out. This reflex was discovered by Joesph Babinski in the early 19th century.
Hand-eye coordination is another form of reflex testing. This typically involves images and responsive movement, including tapping on a counting device. This form of reflex testing is intended to test an individual’s ability to see and react to changes in her environment. This test is not automatic as it requires cognitive thinking to process the runtime rather than being an automatic response.
The biceps reflex test is meant to check the nerves within the upper area of the spinal cord. This type of reflex test is accomplished by pressing on the biceps tendon. A positive reflex will automatically flex the bicep area.
The ankle reflex test is done by tapping the healing area of the Achilles foot with a rubber mallet. This test is a validation of the nerve pathways between the lower discs within the spinal cord. A successful test will cause the foot to jerk when the Achilles healing area is touched.
The grasp reflex is an automatic hand squeezing reflex that is used to test the reflexes of children. This automatic reflex fades after six months of age. It is considered an infantile reflex and is used to test the nervous system in children.
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