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Published on: January 7, 2020
Early Physiotherapy Intervention Program for Preterm Infants and Parents: A Randomized, Single-Blind Clinical Trial
Mirari Ochandorena-Acha1,2, Marc Terradas-Monllor1,3, Laura López Sala2
1Research Group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVIC-UCC), C.Sagrada Família, 7, 08500 Vic, Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
Early physiotherapy intervention did not significantly improve motor development in preterm infants. However, some developmental areas showed temporary benefits at one month corrected age.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Development
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Early developmental interventions aim to prevent issues in at-risk preterm infants.
- Evaluating physiotherapy's impact on preterm infant development and parental stress is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of an early physiotherapy intervention for preterm infants.
- To examine effects on motor and global development, and parental stress.
Main Methods:
- 48 preterm infants were randomized into intervention and control groups.
- Intervention included parental education, tactile/kinesthetic stimulation, and home activities.
- Intervention spanned from 32 weeks post-menstrual age to 2 months corrected age.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in Alberta Infant Motor Scale at 2 or 8 months corrected age.
- Intervention group showed better fine motor, problem-solving, personal-social, and communication skills at 1 month corrected age.
Conclusions:
- Early physiotherapy intervention showed no sustained effect on overall development.
- Limited impact may be due to intervention dose, intensity, or parental compliance issues.
Background:
The early developmental interventions might be designed with a preventative approach to improving the development of at-risk preterm infants. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an early physiotherapy intervention on preterm infants' motor and global development, and on parents' stress index.
Methods:
48 infants were enrolled and randomized into two groups. Infants allocated to the intervention group received an early physiotherapy intervention, based on parental education sessions and tactile and kinesthetic stimulation during the NICU period, as well as a home-based activity program. The intervention commenced after 32 weeks post-menstrual age and ended at 2 months corrected age. Infants allocated to the control group received the usual care based on the NIDCAP-care.
Results:
No differences were found between groups on the Alberta Infant Motor Scale at 2- or 8-months corrected age. Infants in the intervention group showed more optimal fine motor, problem-solving, personal-social, and communication development at 1 month corrected age.
Conclusions:
The results showed no effect on the early physiotherapy intervention. Results might be related to the dose or intensity of the intervention, but also to the poor parental compliance.
Clinicaltrials:
gov NCT03313427.
