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Effects of 4 weeks of play in standing and walking on gross motor ability and segmental trunk control in preterm

Noppharath Sangkarit1, Weerasak Tapanya1, Chonthicha Panmatchaya1

  • 1Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand.

Early Human Development
|September 15, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Early intervention using a playpen significantly improved gross motor skills and trunk control in preterm infants. This computer-based program enhanced standing and walking abilities, showing a strong correlation with improved segmental trunk control.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Preterm infants often experience delays in gross motor development and challenges with trunk control.
  • Early intervention is crucial for optimizing motor outcomes in high-risk infant populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy of a computer-based early intervention program utilizing a playpen to enhance standing and walking in preterm infants.
  • To investigate the correlation between improvements in gross motor percentiles and segmental trunk control at nine months corrected age.

Main Methods:

  • Forty preterm infants (born before 37 weeks gestation) were randomized into experimental and control groups.
  • The experimental group received a 4-week, 5-day/week, 45-minute computer-based intervention in standing/walking positions.
  • Motor skills were assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements in gross motor percentiles (AIMS) were observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001).
  • Significant improvements in all conditions of segmental trunk control (SATCo) were noted post-intervention (p<0.05).
  • A strong positive correlation (r=0.643, p<0.001) was found between gross motor percentile changes and reactive SATCo during walking in the intervention group.

Conclusions:

  • A computer-based early intervention program in a playpen effectively enhances gross motor development and segmental trunk control in preterm infants.
  • The intervention shows promise for improving functional mobility and postural stability in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Early interventionGross motor developmentPreterm infantWalking

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