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Experimental Methods to Study Human Postural Control
Published on: September 11, 2019
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The influence between gestational age and postural control, a systematic review.
Isabel Tuñón-Domínguez1, Alicia Cuesta-Gómez2, Francisco Molina-Rueda2
1Hospital Beata María Ana, Madrid, Spain.
Frontiers in Pediatrics
|December 2, 2022
Summary
Premature infants exhibit poorer postural control compared to full-term infants, indicating potential neuromotor differences. Early detection of fragile postural control is crucial for intervention and preventing future developmental issues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Prematurity presents unique challenges to the developing central nervous system (CNS).
- Fragile postural control in preterm infants may indicate future neuromotor dysfunction.
- Postural control is a key indicator of neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate qualitative differences in postural control development between preterm and full-term infants.
- To assess if prematurity impacts postural control development independently of neurological involvement.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies (2010-March 2020).
- Inclusion of studies evaluating postural control parameters.
- Methodological quality assessment using CASPe and PRISMA guidelines.
Main Results:
- 16 articles involving 3,460 participants (1,860 preterm, 1,600 term) were included.
- All studies reported poorer postural control in preterm infants compared to term infants.
- Higher prematurity correlated with more limited postural control.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants demonstrate a qualitatively different and poorer development of postural control.
- Early identification of postural control deficits is vital for timely intervention.
- Findings underscore the importance of monitoring neurodevelopment in preterm populations.
