To Study the Plantar Response in Newborns and Determine Type of Response & Latency of Initiation, Optimal Response and Total Duration of Plantar Response

Abstract

Background: The plantar response in normal newborns is variably reported by numerous
investigators. Much of the difference between studies depends upon methodology used. So
the present study has been conducted to recognize the exact type of plantar response in
newborn; the qualitative response, especially in consideration to gestational age, fetal growth,
age after birth and gender, as well as quantitative aspect of plantar response, latency of
initiation of response, duration of optimal response and total duration for completion of
response
Method: The present study is cross sectional, observational study conducted in Newborn
stabilization cum screening unit of Department of Pediatrics. The plantar response was
elicited in 1000 normal healthy newborns, born after 34 completed weeks of gestation and
who had weight of at least 1.8 kg and who had an uncomplicated transition from intrauterine
to extra uterine life and remained healthy till the time of examination from 6 hrs to within 7
days of life. A firm mild nociceptive stimulation was employed utilizing thumbnail drag
along the lateral aspect of the sole from the heel to the base of the 4th and the 5th toes.
The Examination was video graphed on a 12-megapixel camera and the captured videos were
visualized on the monitor of laptop. Using time extension on VLC media player with
accuracy of 1/60 of a second, the latency of onset, duration of optimization and total duration
for plantar reflex were calculated.
Result: Extensor response was predominant response in 70.6% (1412 responses), followed
by flexor 24.15% (483 responses) and equivocal response was minimum 5.25 % (105
responses). On comparing bilateral response, bilateral extensor response is predominant
response 58.8%, followed by asymmetrical response25.3%, followed by bilateral flexor
response12.2% and lastly bilateral equivocal response 3.7%.