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Published on: November 9, 2018

Joint range of motion development in premature infants

M B Harris1, C J Simons, S K Ritchie

  • 1Division of Physical Therapy, West Virginia University (M.B.H.), Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University (C.J.R.S.), Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University (S.K.R., M.D.M., D.Z.M.).

Pediatric Physical Therapy : the Official Publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association
|April 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Premature infants show distinct joint range of motion (ROM) patterns compared to full-term babies, with more hip extension and elbow extension, but less ankle dorsiflexion. These findings suggest altered neuromotor development in preterm infants during their first year.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Development
  • Pediatric Physical Therapy
  • Neuromotor Development

Background:

  • Premature, very low birthweight infants often exhibit atypical neuromotor development.
  • Understanding joint range of motion (ROM) is crucial for assessing developmental trajectories in these infants.
  • Limited data exists on longitudinal changes in joint ROM for preterm infants in their first year.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document joint range of motion (ROM) in premature, very low birthweight infants.
  • To describe developmental changes in joint ROM during the first year of life.
  • To investigate the relationship between central nervous system complications and ROM in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal descriptive study of 65 premature, very low birthweight infants.
  • Joint ROM measured using a plastic goniometer, adapted from the Amiel-Tison assessment.
  • Infants assessed at hospital discharge, and at 4, 8, and 12 months chronological age.

Main Results:

  • Longitudinal trends revealed significant changes in joint ROM over the first year.
  • Preterm infants consistently showed less hip flexion than typically seen in full-term infants.
  • Compared to term infants, preterm infants demonstrated increased hip extension, elbow extension, and decreased ankle dorsiflexion.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm infants exhibit unique joint ROM patterns distinct from full-term infants.
  • These ROM differences may indicate a divergent neuromotor developmental pathway in preterm populations.
  • Findings highlight the need for tailored developmental assessments and interventions for preterm infants.

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