Physical activity programs for promoting bone mineralization and growth in preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Pediatric physical therapy
• Bone metabolism

Background:

• Preterm infants are at risk for metabolic bone disease, poor mineralization, and growth impairment.
• Physical activity, alongside nutrition, may enhance bone health in vulnerable infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of physical activity programs in improving bone mineralization and growth in preterm infants.
• To assess potential benefits on hospital stay, skeletal deformities, neurodevelopment, and adverse events.
• To conduct subgroup analyses for infants with very low birth weight and varying nutritional intakes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials.
• Searches included major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL) and trial registers.
• Eleven trials involving 324 preterm infants were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Moderate short-term improvements in bone mineralization were observed in four trials.
• Positive effects on daily weight gain and linear growth were noted.
• No significant differences in fractures or complications were found; long-term bone effects were not demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity may promote short-term weight gain and bone mineralization in preterm infants.
• Insufficient data exists to assess long-term effects or harm, precluding routine recommendation.
• Further research is needed, focusing on high-risk infants and comprehensive outcome assessment.