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Effect of Early Physical Activity Programs on Motor Performance and Neuromuscular Development in Infants Born
Leila Valizadeh1, Mahnaz Sanaeefar1, Mohammad Bager Hosseini2
1Department of Pediatric Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Insights
Physical activity programs, including hydrotherapy, improved leg recoil in preterm infants. However, no significant differences in overall motor performance were observed between groups after the intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Infants born preterm face persistent developmental and motor challenges.
- Mechanical ventilation can induce immobility, further impacting development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of in-water and out-of-water physical activity programs on preterm infants.
- To assess the impact on motor performance and neuromuscular development.
Main Methods:
- 76 preterm infants were randomized into four groups: passive range of motion, hydrotherapy, combined physical activity, and containment.
- Interventions lasted two weeks, from 32 to 33 weeks postmenstrual age.
- Motor performance (Test of Infant Motor Performance) and neuromuscular development (New Ballard scale, Dubowitz scale) were assessed.
Main Results:
- All groups showed improvements in Test of Infant Motor Performance and neuromuscular scores.
- No significant differences in overall motor performance were found at 34 weeks postmenstrual age.
- Physical activity groups demonstrated significantly higher leg recoil postural tone post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity programs and containment did not yield different effects on overall motor performance in preterm infants.
- Specific neuromuscular components, like leg recoil, showed positive effects from physical activity interventions.
Abstract:
Although the survival rate of infants born preterm has increased, the prevalence of developmental problems and motor disorders among this population of infants remains the same. This study investigated the effect of physical activity programs in and out of water on motor performance and neuromuscular development of infants born preterm and had induced immobility by mechanical ventilation. This study was carried out in Al-Zahra hospital, Tabriz. 76 premature infants were randomly assigned into four groups. One group received daily passive range of motion to all extremities based on the Moyer-Mileur protocol. Hydrotherapy group received exercises for shoulders and pelvic area in water every other day. A combination group received physical activity programs in and out of water on alternating days. Infants in a containment group were held in a fetal position. Duration of study was two weeks 'from 32 through 33 weeks post menstrual age (PMA). Motor outcomes were measured by the Test of Infant Motor Performance. Neuromuscular developmental was assessed by New Ballard scale and leg recoil and Ankle dorsiflexion items from Dubowitz scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13. TIMP and neuromuscular scores improved in all groups. Motor performance did not differ between groups at 34 weeks PMA. Postural tone of leg recoil was significantly higher in physical activity groups post intervention. Physical activities and containment didn't have different effects on motor performance in infants born preterm. Leg recoil of neuromuscular development items was affected by physical activity programs.
