Is Segmental Trunk Control Related to Gross Motor Performance in Healthy Preterm and Full-Term Infants?

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Motor Control

Background:

• Infant motor development is crucial for overall health.
• Segmental trunk control is a foundational element for gross motor skills.
• Preterm infants often experience developmental delays compared to full-term infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between segmental trunk control and gross motor performance in preterm (PT) and full-term (FT) infants.
• To identify differences in these abilities between PT and FT infants at 6 and 7 months corrected age.
• To explore the relationship's nuances across different developmental stages and postures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) to precisely measure trunk control.
• Employed the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) to assess gross motor performance.
• Conducted assessments on healthy PT and FT infants at 6 and 7 months corrected age.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was observed between segmental trunk control and gross motor performance in FT infants at 6 months and PT infants at 7 months.
• PT infants exhibited delays in segmental trunk control at both 6 and 7 months.
• PT infants also showed delays in supported standing posture at 6 months compared to FT infants.

Conclusions:

• Segmental trunk control and gross motor performance are significantly interrelated in healthy infants.
• Preterm infants demonstrate developmental delays in segmental trunk control and gross motor skills.
• The relationship between trunk control and motor skills is particularly evident in the sitting posture.