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A pilot study on early home-based intervention through an intelligent baby gym (CareToy) in preterm infants
Giuseppina Sgandurra1, Laura Bartalena2, Francesca Cecchi3
1Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy.
Insights
CareToy, an intelligent system for early intervention (EI), shows promise for preterm infants. This pilot study found improved motor and visual outcomes in infants using CareToy compared to standard care.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Infant Health
Background:
- CareToy is an intelligent, home-based system designed for intensive, individualized early intervention (EI).
- It is inspired by baby gyms and focuses on family-centered care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of the CareToy intervention in preterm infants.
- The study focused on infants aged 3-9 months corrected age.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involved 20 low-risk preterm infants (14 CareToy, 6 Standard Care).
- Primary outcome: Infant Motor Profile (IMP). Secondary outcomes: Alberta Infant Motor Scale, Teller Acuity Cards.
- 202 training scenarios were developed for the CareToy system.
Main Results:
- All infants completed 4 weeks of intervention.
- The CareToy group showed greater improvements in IMP total score and Teller Acuity Cards compared to the Standard Care group.
Conclusions:
- CareToy appears to be a feasible device for delivering early intervention.
- Further research with a larger, randomized clinical trial is recommended to confirm these findings.
Background:
CareToy is an intelligent system, inspired by baby gyms, aimed to provide an intensive, individualized, home-based and family-centred early intervention (EI) program.
Aims:
A pilot study was carried out to explore the feasibility of CareToy intervention in preterm infants, aged 3-9 months of corrected age.
Methods:
Twenty low-risk preterm infants, without brain lesion or other clinical complications (14 allocated to CareToy intervention and 6 to Standard Care) were recruited. The Infant Motor Profile (IMP) was predefined as the primary outcome measure and Alberta Infant Motor Scale and Teller Acuity Cards as secondary measures. Moreover, 202 pre-programmed training scenarios were developed and instructions for the management of CareToy intervention were defined as general guidelines.
Outcomes And Results:
All infants received 4 weeks of their allocated intervention and were evaluated with the selected tests before and immediately after the 4 weeks. The mean difference changes in IMP total score and Teller Acuity Cards over the intervention period were higher in the CareToy group than in the Standard Care group.
Conclusions And Implications:
CareToy seems a feasible device for providing EI. An adequately powered randomized clinical trial is warranted.
