Evaluation of the palmar and plantar grasp reflect in newborn in terms of asymmetry, duration, and strength, and comparison with apgar scoring

Aim: In our study, with the prediction of lateralization; It is aimed to compare the relationships between palmar and plantar grasp reflex strength and duration, APGAR score and physical development parameters, which are fetal, maternal, external and hereditary factors affecting brain development before and after birth in newborns. Materials and Methods: Our study was conducted with healthy newborns (54 boys, 57 girls) in the Newborn Clinic of MCBÜ Hafsa Sultan Hospital. After obtaining permission from the parents, the history of the newborn was taken. With the device with patent number 2017/17222, the first measurements of palmar and plantar reflex strength (kg) and their duration (sec) are within the first 48 hours, and the second measurements are 7-10. It was measured five times from newborns who came to the control. APGAR scoring was obtained from birth records. "Edinburgh Hand Preference Questionnaire" was filled in order to determine the parental hand preference of babies. Data were analyzed using the SPSS™ program. Results: It was determined that the mean of all palmar and plantar grip reflex strength and velocities showed a statistically significant asymmetric distribution and the left grip strength was higher than the right. There were significant differences in gender, mode of delivery, week of birth and growth parameters, grip strength and duration. There was no statistically significant difference between Apgar score and parental hand preferences on grasping reflex and speed in newborns. Conclusion: In the general distribution mean of all extremities; left grip strength is significantly higher, no significant difference was found in their latency. Grasp reflex amplitude and latency interacted with various factors, but no correlation was found between apgar score and grasp reflex values of parents' hand preferences. It was concluded that reflex force values are compatible with the asymmetric distribution of non-human creatures. Catitatively measured grasping reflex is thought to be helpful in the follow-up of physiological and physiopathological processes and in the treatment approach. Key words: Palmar-Plantar Grasp Reflex, APGAR score, Hand Preference, Right-Handed, Newborn