Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
An Instrumented Pull Test to Characterize Postural Responses
Published on: April 6, 2019
Effects of postural manipulations on head movements from birth to 4 months of age
Carolina Daniel de Lima-Alvarez1, Eloisa Tudella, John van der Kamp
1NENEM, Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil. caroldaniellima@gmail.com
Insights
External head support in infants (birth to 4 months) improved head and trunk alignment and enabled better-controlled head movements. This finding aids in early intervention for at-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Infant Motor Control
- Postural Development
Background:
- Head control is crucial for infant development.
- Early motor skills are influenced by postural stability.
- Understanding factors affecting head movement is vital for identifying developmental delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of postural support on head movement control in infants.
- To determine how different support positions affect infant head kinematics.
- To provide insights for early intervention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen full-term infants (birth to 4 months) participated.
- Infants viewed a moving card in three postural conditions: unsupported supine, supported supine, and supported reclined.
- Head movement data was collected and analyzed for kinematic parameters.
Main Results:
- Supported positions significantly improved head and trunk alignment.
- Infants exhibited a higher proportion of midline head positioning and midline-to-side trajectories with support.
- Supported positions led to fewer movement units, lower angular and peak velocities, and broader head rotation.
Conclusions:
- External postural support enhances infant head and trunk alignment and stability.
- Improved stability facilitates more controlled head movements in infants.
- Findings support the use of postural support in early intervention for at-risk infants.
Abstract:
The authors investigated the effects of postural manipulation on head movement control in infants from birth to 4 months of age. Eighteen full-term infants were presented with a card, which was moved from side to side before their eyes in 3 positions: unsupported supine, supported supine, and supported reclined. The results showed a higher proportion of initial position of head at midline and midline-to-side trajectory, improving the alignment of head and trunk; fewer movement units and movement units after peak velocity; lower mean angular velocity and peak velocity; and a broader rotation of the head in both supported positions. Thus, external support of the head promoted head and trunk alignment, improving stability and enabling the infant to execute better-controlled head movements. These findings may be helpful in early intervention and treatment of at-risk infants.
