Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2025
Quantified Assessment of Infant's Gross Motor Abilities Using a Multisensor Wearable
Published on: May 17, 2024
Leg Movement Rate before and after a Caregiver-Provided Intervention for Infants at Risk of Developmental Disability:
Marcelo R Rosales1, Weiyang Deng1, Ryota Nishiyori2
1Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Insights
Caregiver-provided in-home interventions can increase leg movement rates in infants at risk for developmental disabilities. High caregiver adherence and quality interaction were maintained throughout the study.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Motor Development
- Infant Health
Background:
- Infants at risk for developmental disabilities often exhibit reduced motor activity.
- Early intervention is crucial for improving motor outcomes in at-risk infants.
- Caregiver involvement is key in implementing effective infant interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a caregiver-provided in-home intervention on the daily leg movement rate of infants at risk for developmental disabilities.
- To assess caregiver adherence and the quality of caregiver-child interaction during the intervention.
- To explore the potential of leg movement rate as an outcome measure for infant interventions.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of twelve infants at risk for developmental disabilities and their caregivers participated.
- The intervention focused on increasing leg movements and was administered between 3- and 6-months corrected age.
- Infants were assessed monthly for leg movement rates, caregiver adherence, and caregiver-child interaction quality (using NCAST).
Main Results:
- Infants increased their daily leg movement rate post-intervention (p=0.040).
- Caregivers demonstrated high adherence (Median: 89%) and good quality of interaction (Median NCAST total: 46).
- Adherence and interaction quality remained consistent throughout the intervention period.
Conclusions:
- Caregiver-provided in-home interventions can effectively enhance leg movement rates in at-risk infants.
- Leg movement rate shows promise as a measurable outcome for assessing infant motor practice and progress during interventions.
- The study highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating motor interventions into the home environment with strong caregiver support.
Aim:
Our purpose was to assess daily leg movement rate before and after a caregiver-provided in-home intervention for infants at risk for developmental disability. We also assessed adherence and quality of caregiver-child interaction.
Methods:
Twelve infants, at risk for developmental disabilities, and their caregivers participated in an intervention focused on increasing leg movements. Intervention started between 3- and 6-months corrected age and ended once the infant was able to sit independently or at 9 months corrected age, whichever occurred first. Infants were assessed monthly.
Results:
Infants at risk for developmental disabilities who were moving less than 1200 leg movements per hour awake at the start of the intervention increased their daily leg movement rate following the intervention (Median [range]: pre-1047 [506-1056], post- 1104 [655-1359], p = 0.040). Additionally, the caregivers had a high adherence (Median: 89%, Range: 11.43%-329.17%) and good quality of caregiver-child interaction (Median NCAST total: 46, Range: 34-59); and maintained similar amounts of adherence (p = 0.575) and quality of caregiver-child interaction (p = 0.432) throughout the intervention.
Conclusion:
This study provides preliminary evidence that leg movement rate has the potential to be used as an outcome measure to assess an infant's progress and motor practice during an intervention.
