191 - Steve Peters - Why movement is key to neurology

01:00

Personal Reflections and Sporting Memories

Michael Wright and Stephen Peters discuss their childhood experiences with sports, highlighting the importance of unstructured play. Stephen reminisces about playing Wembley doubles and cricket with his brothers, which fostered their love for sports. He cites Gary Lineker as his sporting idol and recalls the memorable moment of watching England win the Rugby World Cup, sharing the experience with his family.

7:26

Sportsmanship and Values in Rugby

Stephen Peters discusses the values embodied by the All Blacks, noting their dedication to sportsmanship, ethics, and leaving the environment better than they found it. He contrasts the brutal nature of rugby with the humility displayed by teams like Japan, who also prioritize cleanliness and respect. Michael Wright agrees, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good standards both during and after the game.

10:18

Stephen Peters' Football Journey and Coaching Experience

Stephen Peters recounted his football journey, beginning at Southampton's academy and transitioning through various clubs, including Torquay and Tiverton, where he played alongside notable players. After enduring six knee operations, he shifted to coaching, spending significant time at Bristol Rovers and developing his own coaching business, which included holiday camps and elite training sessions. He later worked with Southampton's academy in London before returning to coaching youth football at Forest Green.

17:32

Exploring Functional Neurology and Primitive Reflexes

Stephen Peters recounted his introduction to developmental neurology through Seb Cain, whose daughter with Down syndrome surpassed medical predictions. Peters emphasized the importance of understanding primitive reflexes in helping children with various developmental challenges.

24:11

Understanding Primitive Reflexes in Child Development

Stephen Peters emphasized the role of primitive reflexes in early childhood development, noting that they are crucial for survival and must integrate as children grow. He highlighted that these reflexes should typically disappear by age three, with most vanishing by age one. If they remain active, they can hinder neurological development and lead to issues such as speech delays.

28:15

Understanding Primitive Reflexes and Their Impact on Child Development

Stephen Peters explains that primitive reflexes are crucial for neurological development and can create barriers to higher functions if they remain active. He notes that the current environment, characterized by excessive screen time and reduced physical activity, is preventing children from moving enough to deactivate these reflexes. This lack of movement can lead to various developmental issues, including emotional regulation problems and speech delays.

35:24

Understanding Optimal Brain Development and Dyslexia

Michael Wright raised questions about the sequence of reflexes in child development and whether it matters if milestones are missed. Stephen Peters confirmed that there is an optimal developmental route, highlighting that missing the crawling phase can lead to challenges such as dyslexia. He emphasized the significance of movement patterns in brain development and the potential for improvement at any age.

38:06

Reflex Assessment and Movement Integration in Children

Stephen Peters highlighted the significance of assessing retained reflexes, such as the palmar reflex, in children and how these reflexes can lead to involuntary movements that hinder fine motor skills. He described a case involving an 11-year-old girl whose active palmar reflex caused her hand to close involuntarily while holding objects. Peters emphasized the need for targeted movement exercises to help integrate these reflexes, ultimately improving skills like handwriting and emotional regulation.

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