Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb
08:24

Sit-to-stand-and-walk from 120% Knee Height: A Novel Approach to Assess Dynamic Postural Control Independent of Lead-limb

Published on: August 30, 2016

Prognostic factors for walking attainment in very low-birthweight preterm infants

S F Jeng1, K I Yau, H F Liao

  • 1School and Graduate Institute of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan. jeng@ha.mc.ntu.edu.tw

Early Human Development
|September 21, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Very low-birthweight (VLBW) preterm infants achieve walking later than normal term infants. Low gestational age, prolonged ventilation, and severe retinopathy of prematurity are linked to delayed walking in VLBW infants.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Motor Development

Background:

  • Preterm birth, especially very low-birthweight (VLBW), is associated with developmental challenges.
  • Gross motor development, including walking attainment, is a key milestone affected by prematurity.
  • Understanding factors influencing walking attainment in VLBW infants is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the age of walking attainment between VLBW preterm infants and normal term infants.
  • To identify variables associated with delayed walking attainment specifically in VLBW infants.
  • To explore potential pathways linking prematurity complications to motor development delays.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study comparing 96 VLBW infants and 82 term infants.
  • Gross motor development monitored at 6, 9, 12, and 18 months corrected age.
  • Multivariate proportional hazards regression used to analyze predictors of walking attainment.

Main Results:

  • VLBW infants attained walking significantly later (median 14 months) than term infants (median 12 months).
  • 11% of VLBW infants remained unable to walk by 18 months corrected age, compared to 0% of term infants.
  • Low gestational age, prolonged ventilation/oxygen therapy, and severe retinopathy of prematurity were significant predictors of delayed walking in VLBW infants.

Conclusions:

  • VLBW preterm infants are at increased risk for delayed walking attainment.
  • Low gestational age appears to be a primary factor, potentially mediated by respiratory distress and retinopathy of prematurity.
  • These findings highlight the need for close monitoring of motor development in VLBW infants and timely interventions.

More Related Videos

Quantified Assessment of Infant's Gross Motor Abilities Using a Multisensor Wearable09:24

Quantified Assessment of Infant's Gross Motor Abilities Using a Multisensor Wearable

Published on: May 17, 2024

Evaluation of Patients' Posture and Gait Profile After Lumbar Fusion Surgery by Video Rasterstereography and Treadmill Gait Analysis07:44

Evaluation of Patients' Posture and Gait Profile After Lumbar Fusion Surgery by Video Rasterstereography and Treadmill Gait Analysis

Published on: March 23, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Locomotion During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:29

Locomotion During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Children develop a wide range of gross motor skills during the first three years, as increasing muscle strength, balance, coordination, and nervous system maturation allow greater control over body movements. Development generally progresses from basic postural control to independent movement and later to activities such as jumping, climbing, and pedaling.Motor Development During the First YearMost infants begin rolling during the first several months, although the timing and direction can vary.
Physical Growth During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:18

Physical Growth During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Physical growth is especially rapid during the first three years of life, with the greatest rate in the first few months after birth. Although children continue to gain height and weight throughout infancy and toddlerhood, the rate of growth gradually slows during the second and third years. At most ages, boys are typically slightly taller and heavier than girls, reflecting a common pattern of early physical development.Changes in Body ProportionsAs infants become toddlers, their body...
Principles of Development01:31

Principles of Development

Physical development during the prenatal period and early childhood follows two major directional principles: cephalocaudal and proximodistal development. These general patterns happen simultaneously and help explain changes in body proportions and the gradual development of motor skills.Cephalocaudal DevelopmentThe cephalocaudal principle describes development from the head downward toward the lower body. During prenatal development, the head and brain structures develop rapidly before many...