ABSTRACT
Neurological conditions that disturb co-ordinated movements include involuntary movements, such as abnormal reflexes, synkinesia, dyskinetic movements, and ataxia. Abnormal reflexes are of particular interest because the theoretical views on them have been changing considerably during the last century, and yet they are still used as a basis for assessment and intervention. The classic anatomical définition of reflex is ‘an unvoluntary and relatively stereotype response to a specific sensory stimulus’ (Gordon and Ghez, 1991, p. 565). As such, if reflexes are innately programmed and involuntary, then some previously so-called reflexes, such as the stepping reflex and postural reflex, can be no longer considered reflexive. At the same time, the assessment and intervention focus on reflexes has also been undergoing rapid change. To understand present-day practices, it would be useful to see them in the light of a historical perspective. In this chapter the reflex theory, the dynamic systems theory, and the neuronal group selection theory will be reviewed looking at the particular ‘reflex’ that each theory focuses on. In the discussion that follows, a strategy to advance health science will be noted from a philosophy of science framework.
