The 'Why' behind what we do at Top To Toe Neuro

Primitive reflexes are automatic early movement patterns that are expected to become integrated as the nervous system matures. Research suggests that when these reflexes remain active beyond the expected developmental period, they may be associated with differences in motor coordination, posture, balance, and functional performance. 

This study found that retained primitive reflexes were associated with lower motor efficiency in preschool-aged children, supporting the idea that persistent reflex activity may influence coordination and movement development. 

This paper discusses the relationship between retained primitive reflexes and cognitive and motor differences in autism, and explores the possibility that targeted intervention may support functional change. 

This research demonstrated that structured movement programs over 12 weeks reduced retained primitive reflexes and improved motor and behavioural outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental differences. 

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as red or near-infrared light therapy, is an emerging area of neuroscience research. Studies suggest it may support brain function through improving cellular energy, reducing inflammation, and enhancing communication between brain regions. While research is still developing — particularly in children — early findings show promising potential for supporting attention, behaviour, and overall neurological function when used as part of a broader, individualised approach. 

Research across multiple randomized controlled trials suggests that photobiomodulation may help reduce pain and inflammation while improving movement and function, particularly in musculoskeletal and chronic pain conditions. 

While early research into photobiomodulation is promising, particularly in the areas of brain function and neurodevelopment, further large-scale studies are still needed. At Top to Toe Neuro, PBM is used as one part of a personalised program based on individual assessment and clinical presentation. 

This clinical study found significant reductions in irritability, hyperactivity, and behavioural challenges in children and adolescents following PBM treatment, with improvements maintained over time.  

This randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled trial found that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) reduced core symptoms of autism in young children. Improvements were seen in behaviour, irritability, and sleep, supporting PBM as a promising non-invasive intervention. 

This review of multiple clinical studies found that PBM consistently produced reductions in pain across conditions such as fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and musculoskeletal pain, with additional improvements in function and quality of life. The therapy was also reported to have a strong safety profile. 

Screens are part of family life. Research is exploring how screen use relates to children’s movement, balance, communication and learning. These studies raise useful questions, but an association does not mean screen time caused a developmental difference or a retained reflex. 

This exploratory paper describes a balance related response the authors observed in children referred for concerns about early screen use. It considers possible links between visual input, vestibular processing and primitive reflexes. The proposed reflex is new and needs independent validation before it can be used to draw conclusions about an individual child.  

This study followed 117 preschool children over two years and explored how screen use related to developing movement and sensory skills. Greater screen-media use was generally associated with weaker fine motor and touch-based skills, while visual shape recognition was stronger. The researchers did not assess retained primitive reflexes, so the findings offer related developmental context rather than evidence that screens cause reflex retention. 

Research suggests that Interactive Metronome (IM) may support improvements in timing, coordination, and certain cognitive functions such as attention and processing speed. 

The strongest evidence appears to be in motor timing and coordination, with more variable results in areas such as sustained attention and impulse control. Many studies suggest the best outcomes occur when Interactive Metronome is used as part of a broader, individualised program like we create at Top to Toe Neuro. 

An early study exploring how Interactive Metronome may influence selected motor and attentional functions in children with ADHD. 

This systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies found moderate positive effects of Interactive Metronome training on motor performance, particularly through improvements in timing. Benefits were seen across children, adults, and clinical populations. 

This study examined Interactive Metronome as part of a broader intervention program and reported improvements in attention and behavioural measures, suggesting IM may be most effective when combined with other therapies. 

Research into resonance and vibration-based therapies, including devices such as Rezzimax, is still emerging. Early clinical studies suggest these tools may help reduce pain and support nervous system regulation. 

Their proposed mechanisms are supported by broader research into vibration therapy and vagus nerve stimulation, both of which have been shown to influence pain perception, inflammation, and autonomic function. 

While early studies and clinical observations are promising, research specifically on Rezzimax devices is still developing. These tools are used as part of a broader, individualised program rather than as a stand-alone treatment. 

This randomised controlled study investigated the use of resonance-based vibrational therapy devices for individuals with tension and cluster headaches. Participants receiving vibration therapy showed significant reductions in pain scores, along with improvements in cognitive and emotional measures. 

The findings suggest that resonance-based devices (such as Rezzimax-type tools) may be useful for pain modulation and nervous system regulation. 

 This pilot study explored vibration applied to the outer ear (auricular vagus nerve stimulation) and found that it activated central brain regions in a way similar to traditional vagus nerve stimulation techniques. This supports vibration as a viable non-invasive neuromodulation approach.