Final answer:
The statement regarding the negative impact of the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) on the use of sports equipment is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR) can prevent effective use of implements such as bats, rackets, and hockey sticks is true. The ATNR, which is more commonly observed in infants, can indeed interfere with coordination. When a baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out while the opposite arm bends at the elbow. This reflex can be problematic if it persists beyond infancy because it may affect motor control and the ability to perform tasks that require a coordinated use of limbs, such as gripping and manipulating sports equipment.
The coordination and balance needed in sports are significantly influenced by the cerebellum, a part of the brain responsible for voluntary movements and procedural learning. If the ATNR reflex does not integrate as the nervous system matures, it can potentially disrupt the cerebellum's role in coordinating complex motor movements.
Reflexes, both superficial and deep, play a crucial role in our motor functions and contribute to identifying motor disorders that differentiate between upper and lower motor neuron issues. Indicators like the Babinski sign or pronator drift are examples of reflexes and responses that can signal neurological problems, particularly if they show up later in life rather than just during early development.