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Cognitive performance and attachment patterns at four years of age in extremely low birth weight infants after early
N Sajaniemi1, J Mäkelä, T Salokorpi
1Helsinki University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Neurology, Finland.
Insights
Early occupational therapy intervention improved cognitive and verbal skills in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants by age four. The intervention also reduced atypical attachment patterns, supporting overall development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Neonatal Research
Background:
- Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants face developmental challenges.
- Early interventions are crucial for optimizing outcomes in at-risk infants.
- Parent-child interaction and motor development are key areas for support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of early occupational therapy on cognitive development in ELBW infants.
- To evaluate the intervention's effect on attachment patterns in ELBW infants.
- To explore strategies for supporting at-risk preterm children's development.
Main Methods:
- 100 ELBW infants were pair-matched and assigned to intervention or control groups.
- Occupational therapy intervention focused on parent-child interaction and motor skills (6-12 months).
- Cognitive development assessed using Bayley Scales (age 2) and WPPSI (age 4). Attachment assessed via Preschool Assessment of Attachment (PAA).
Main Results:
- Cognitive performance was within age norms for both groups at age two.
- At age four, the intervention group showed higher overall cognitive levels, particularly in verbal skills.
- The control group had a higher prevalence of atypical attachment patterns compared to the intervention group.
Conclusions:
- Early occupational therapy intervention shows benefits for cognitive and verbal development in ELBW infants by age four.
- The intervention appears to positively influence attachment security.
- Findings suggest a need for comprehensive approaches to support preterm infant development.
Abstract:
This study aims at assessing the effects of an early occupational therapy intervention on the cognitive development and the development of attachment patterns in ELBW infants. The intervention, given weekly at home from six months to 12 months, aimed at supporting parent-child interaction and enhancing motor control and coordination. The study population consisted of 100 ELBW infants matched in pairs in accordance to their pre-perinatal risk scores and allocated successively to intervention or non-intervention groups. Cognitive development was assessed with the Bayley Scales at age two and with the WPPSI at age four. Attachment to primary caregiver was assessed with the Preschool Assessment of Attachment (PAA). Cognitive performance was within age norms in both groups at both ages. Intervention did not show any effect on cognitive performance at the age of two years. At the age of four years, cognitive level was overall, and most notably for verbal performance, higher in the intervention group than in the control group. There was an over-representation of the so-called atypical attachment patterns (those not fitting the normative A, B, or C categories) in the control group. The results are discussed in terms of finding more global ways to support the development of at risk pre-term children.