The baby is placed supine, with forearm flexed at elbow. The elbow (forearm) is extended by pulling the hand; then released.[3]
Observation
How quickly the forearm returns to flexed original position and the amount of flexion will designate a score.[1]
Grade 0: Arms remain extended 180 degrees or abnormal movements begin
Grade 1: Minimal flexion, 140-180 degrees
Grade 2: Slight flexion, 110-140 degrees
Grade 3: Moderate flexion, 90-110 degrees
Grade 4: Quick return to full flexion, less than 90 degrees
Conclusions
The greater the tone development (flexor tone), the brisker the recoil will be.[1] This correlates to more advanced gestational age on the Ballard Scale.[4]
Leg recoil can be assessed following the same principle.[5]
