The Effectiveness of the Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration MNRI® Method on the Occupational Performance of Individuals with an Acquired Brain Injury

The MNRI® Method, founded in Russia in 1989 and continuously developed by Svetlana Masgutova, PhD., the method postulates that an integrated neurological sensorimotor reflex pattern serves as the foundation for higher level physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning in addition to its critical function for protection to stress and danger. The method “focuses on the concept of activating a sensory or proprioceptive stimulus for a reflex, followed by performance of the motor response pattern associated with that reflex and all its variants in order to create a more efficient neurological pathway for physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive functioning.” The development or existing structure of the neurological sensorimotor reflex pattern can be impacted by congenital disorders, physical or emotional trauma, and prolonged or chronic stress leading to neurological changes resulting in deficits in higher cognitive functioning [1]. The MNRI® Method contains a vast amount of programs that target the neurosensorimotor reflex integration [1]. A significant amount of peer reviewed journal articles supporting the effectiveness of the method in neurodevelopment and rehabilitation exists. However, limited awareness and utilization of the methods across the US health care community exists [1]. In part due to the limited translated evidence that originated in Russia and only in the recent decades has begun to infiltrate the US academic sector [2]. Considering the underlying theoretical similarities between occupational therapy (OT) interventions and the MNRI® Method such as the theoretical assumption of neurological plasticity, the holistic treatment approach and the vast amount of existing evidence warrants the investigation into the functional outcomes of the method when integrated into the OT process.