Level 1: in response to an outpatient teaching session last week.
The abdominal reflexes refers to the reflex stimulated by the stroking of the abdomen around the umbilicus that results in contraction of the abdominal muscles; typically the umbilicus moves towards the source of the stimulation.
How do you perform the reflex?
Stroke the abdomen lightly on each side in an inward direction above and below the umbilicus using a orange stick (wooden stick) or blunt end of a neurotip (figure below). When you do the reflex the patient should be lying down and relaxed with their arms by their sides.