Rhythmic Movement Training FAQ

What is Rhythmic Movement Training?

Rhythmic Movement Training (RMTi) is a movement based, primitive (infant or neo-natal) reflex integration program that uses developmental movements with other therapeutic modalities to rebuild the foundations necessary to help overcome learning, sensory, emotional and behavioral challenges for children and adults.

Movement is essential for babies and it generates an understanding of various sensory experiences by transmitting information to/from the nervous system for processing.  This sensory experience allows infants to begin understanding and interacting with the world around them.  This creates nerve connections that provide the foundation for developing higher cortical centers of the brain.  Without enough sensory stimulation as an infant, then the foundations of brain organization and postural abilities are not well established.  Compensatory strategies are incorporated into daily life, however, most children and adults continue to have difficulties with regulation, communication, coordination, executive functioning, reading, and writing.

 Rhythmic Movement Training (RMTi) helps to reset those foundations.  The results of the integration of reflexes are dramatic.  The brain’s adaptability allows us to build a stronger foundation through a movement-based program.  It can increase independence in all areas of life. 

How did you come to use RMTi as one of the modalities of Occupational Therapy?

Emily is a licensed occupational therapist who works primarily in the schools with students, many without a diagnosis but continued to have challenges in the school environment.  Occupational and physical therapy training programs offer explanations only as they related to hard diagnosis.  Why is she seeing so many children with challenges that couldn’t be explained?  Emily wanted answers beyond what traditional OT practices could provide. 

Through research, Emily dove deeper into the importance of primitive reflexes when dealing with the nervous systems’ development.  She follows a comprehensive movement-based program using various modalities to help build stronger neural connections.  She understands the importance of neuroplasticity of the brain and its ability to change which has transformed how she treats various abilities in both children and adults.

What is the research about Rhythmic Movement Training?

We recommend the following articles about RMTIi:

RMTi in the Classroom - The influences of a primitive reflex integration programme within the classroom: teacher/parent perspectives and student results - Tessa M. Grigg - 2018

The Voice of Parents Who Have Used Rhythmic Movement Training with Their Child - Tessa M. Grigg - 2016.

Retained Primitive Reflexes - Perceptions of Parents Who Have Used Rhythmic Movement Training With Their Children – Tessa Grigg, Wendy Fox-Turnbull and Ian Culpan – Journel of Child Healthcare - March 2018.