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Effect of early multisensory massage intervention on visual functions in infants with Down syndrome
Giulia Purpura1, Francesca Tinelli1, Stefania Bargagna1
1Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
Insights
Early infant massage significantly improved visual acuity and stereopsis development in infants with Down syndrome (DS). This intervention may enhance visual function during critical brain development periods in DS infants.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is a leading cause of intellectual disability, significantly impacting quality of life and incurring high societal costs.
- Early intervention is crucial for infants with DS, but optimal strategies remain undefined.
- Visual development in DS infants is often delayed, necessitating targeted support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of an early multi-sensory intervention, specifically infant massage, on visual function development in infants with Down syndrome.
- To assess the effects of infant massage on visual acuity and stereopsis in this population.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving randomized allocation of infants with Down syndrome into a massage group or a control group.
- The intervention group received standard care plus infant massage, while the control group received standard care only.
- Visual acuity and stereopsis were measured at 5, 6, 9, and 12 months using Teller Acuity Cards and the Frisby Stereopsis Screening Test.
Main Results:
- Infants in the massage group demonstrated significantly better visual acuity by 6 months of age.
- The massage intervention led to accelerated visual development up to 12 months.
- Stereopsis showed an earlier onset and faster maturation in the massage group compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Early infant massage, as a form of environmental enrichment, positively influences visual function maturation in infants with Down syndrome.
- This intervention appears effective even with a genetic disability, particularly during periods of high neural plasticity.
- Infant massage may be a valuable complementary approach to support visual development in infants with Down syndrome.
Background:
Down syndrome is a frequent cause of intellectual disability, with severe impact on the quality of life of affected individuals and their families, and high social costs. Intervention programs should start soon after birth but no consensus exists on specific types and timing of early interventions in this population.
Aim:
This pilot study explores the effects of an early multi-sensory intervention, based on body massage, on the development of visual function in infants with Down syndrome.
Method:
Infants were randomly allocated to either a massage or a control group. Intervention consisted of only standard care (Control Group) or standard care plus infant massage (Massaged Group). Visual acuity was assessed by Teller Acuity Cards and stereopsis by the Frisby Stereopsis Screening Test at 5, 6, 9 and 12 months.
Results:
Massaged Group Infants showed a significantly higher visual acuity at 6 months of age and an accelerated development up to at least 12 months; compared to Controls, stereopsis had an earlier onset in the Massaged Group followed by a faster maturation.
Conclusion:
Environmental enrichment, in the tested form of infant massage, seems to affect maturation of visual functions in human infants, also in the presence of a genetic disability, when applied during a period of high brain plasticity.
