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The Effect of Assisted Exercise Frequency on Bone Strength in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants: A Randomized

Ita Litmanovitz1,2, Hedva Erez3, Alon Eliakim4,5

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., 44281, Kfar Saba, Israel. litmani@clalit.org.il.

Calcified Tissue International
|May 5, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Twice daily assisted exercise for very low birth weight preterm infants significantly slowed bone strength decline. This intervention may reduce osteopenia risk and future fractures in these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants are at high risk for bone health issues, including osteopenia and fractures.
  • Current interventions for bone health in VLBW infants are limited, necessitating research into effective strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of twice daily versus once daily assisted exercise programs on bone strength in VLBW preterm infants.
  • To evaluate the effect of assisted range-of-motion exercise on bone strength compared to no intervention in VLBW preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 34 VLBW preterm infants.
  • Infants were assigned to twice daily intervention, once daily intervention, or control groups for 4 weeks, starting around 8 days of life.
  • Bone strength was assessed using quantitative ultrasound (tibial bone speed of sound) at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.

Main Results:

  • All groups experienced a decline in bone speed of sound over the 4-week study period.
  • The twice daily intervention group showed a significantly attenuated decrease in bone strength compared to the once daily and control groups (p=0.03).
  • Mean bone speed of sound at enrollment was comparable across all three groups.

Conclusions:

  • A twice daily program of assisted range-of-motion exercise effectively attenuates the decline in bone strength in VLBW preterm infants.
  • This exercise regimen holds potential for reducing the risk of osteopenia and subsequent fractures in this high-risk population.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm long-term bone health benefits and optimal exercise protocols.

Keywords:
OsteopeniaPhysical activityQuantitative ultrasoundSpeed of sound

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