Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Quantified Assessment of Infant's Gross Motor Abilities Using a Multisensor Wearable
09:24

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

Published on: May 17, 2024

Activity patterns assessed throughout 24-hour recordings in preterm and near term infants

F Giganti1, G Cioni, E Biagioni

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Florence, Italy.

Developmental Psychobiology
|February 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Infant motility patterns evolve before birth, with increasing quiet periods and a distinct day-night cycle emerging in the final weeks. This developmental shift indicates enhanced self-regulation in late-term fetuses.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal development
  • Fetal movement analysis
  • Neurobehavioral pediatrics

Background:

  • Understanding fetal development is crucial for assessing infant health.
  • Motility patterns provide insights into neurological maturation.
  • Limited data exists on detailed motility changes in late preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the motility patterns of low-risk infants approaching term.
  • To investigate the influence of age and circadian rhythms on fetal movements.
  • To identify developmental changes in motility during the final weeks before birth.

Main Methods:

  • Continuous 24-hour motility recording in 10 low-risk infants (34-40 weeks postmenstrual age).
  • Classification of motility into four distinct codes based on intensity and behavior.
  • Analysis of motility changes related to postmenstrual age and time of day (day vs. night).

Main Results:

  • Motility was categorized into four codes, ranging from quiescence to vigorous movement with crying.
  • A significant increase in quiescent periods (code 1) was observed with advancing postmenstrual age.
  • Higher motility levels were recorded during nighttime compared to daytime, indicating a developing circadian rhythm.

Conclusions:

  • The final weeks before term are characterized by an increased ability to maintain quiet behavior.
  • Infants demonstrate a reorganization of day-night motility distribution as they approach full term.
  • These findings highlight significant neurobehavioral maturation and self-regulation development in late-gestation fetuses.

More Related Videos

Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations06:34

Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations

Published on: July 1, 2015

Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates05:58

Application of an Amplitude-integrated EEG Monitor (Cerebral Function Monitor) to Neonates

Published on: September 6, 2017

Related Concept Videos

States of Arousal During Infancy01:30

States of Arousal During Infancy

States of arousal describe an infant’s physiological and behavioral condition during sleep, wakefulness, and activity. These states are regulated by the circadian rhythm, an internal biological clock that organizes daily patterns of rest and alertness. During infancy, arousal is commonly classified into five states: regular sleep, irregular sleep, drowsiness, alert inactivity, and waking activity.Regular and Irregular SleepDuring regular sleep, an infant’s eyes remain closed, breathing is slow...
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.
Crying Patterns During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:28

Crying Patterns During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Crying is an important form of communication during infancy, and different crying patterns can signal different needs or states. Infants can produce different cries associated with hunger, anger, and pain. These patterns vary in rhythm, intensity, and onset, helping caregivers recognize what an infant may be expressing.Types of Infant CriesThe basic cry is often associated with hunger. It typically follows a rhythmic sequence of crying, a brief pause, and an inward breath. This inhalation may...