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Effects of Prone Positioning on Head Control in Preterm Infants: Randomized and Controlled Clinical Trial Protocol
Sabrinne Suelen Santos Sampaio1, Nathalia Allana de Amorim Rodrigues2, Julia Raffin Moura3
1Post-Graduation Program of Physiotherapy, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal 59078-970, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Insights
Prone positioning, or tummy time, enhances cervical extension and gross motor function in preterm infants. This intervention helps strengthen muscles, aiding development and integration with environmental stimuli.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Development
- Motor Control in Infants
- Clinical Trials in Pediatrics
Background:
- Preterm infants face significant developmental challenges.
- Early motor interventions are crucial for optimizing outcomes.
- Cervical extension and gross motor skills are key developmental milestones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of prone positioning (tummy time) on cervical extension in preterm infants.
- To assess the effects of tummy time on the gross motor function of preterm infants.
- To provide caregivers with guidance on implementing tummy time for developmental support.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 40 preterm infants (birth weight < 2500 g).
- Infants were allocated to a control or experimental group (n=20).
- The experimental group received routine guidance and an illustrative booklet for 30 minutes of daily tummy time, followed up to six months corrected age.
Main Results:
- The study hypothesizes that tummy time will strengthen cervical muscles, facilitating motor skill acquisition.
- Expected outcomes include improved ability to overcome gravity and better integration of sensory experiences.
- Statistical analysis will determine the significance of observed effects with an alpha of 5%.
Conclusions:
- Prone positioning is anticipated to be beneficial for preterm infant development.
- Tummy time may play a vital role in enhancing motor skills and sensory integration.
- This intervention supports preterm infants in navigating developmental challenges.
Purpose:
The primary aim will be to assess the effects of prone positioning (tummy time) on cervical extension (angular kinematics and time) in preterm infants. The secondary aim will be to assess the effects of tummy time on gross motor function.
Methods:
This randomized, controlled clinical trial will include 40 preterm infants weighing less than 2500 g, randomly allocated into control or experimental group (n = 20) and followed up from birth to six months of corrected age by the team of the neonatal follow-up clinic. Caregivers will be routinely guided on bonding, developmental milestones, and how to perform the tummy time for 30 min throughout the day (experimental group). An illustrative booklet will be provided as support material. The hypothesis will be tested using inferential analysis, considering an alpha of 5%.
Discussion:
We expect tummy time to strengthen cervical muscles needed to overcome gravity, master motor skills, and stimulate the integration between family activity and environmental experiences, considerable challenges to which preterm infants are exposed.
Trial Registration:
Registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier RBR-2nwkr47) on 17 February 2022.
