The Role of Early Intervention Therapy in Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Premature Infants

Neurodevelopmental impairments are known to be more common in premature infants. Premature and low birth weight babies are now more likely to survive because of modern technologies and advancements in perinatal and postnatal care. However, long stays and exposure to harsh stimuli in neonatal intensive care units are known to have a negative impact on the developing neonatal brain. Therefore, the goal of early intervention (EI) is to assist an infant and their family in achieving the greatest potential outcome. This encompasses a broad spectrum of strategies and structured programs that might differ in many aspects, such as who should implement them, where they should take place, and when they should begin. They aid in minimizing brain damage and optimizing growth via varied sensory and motor stimuli. Current evidence supports the initiation of EI therapy soon after birth, starting from neonatal intensive care units and continuing post-discharge. This research is important, especially in developing countries like ours, owing to the increasing number of premature deliveries due to multiple reasons. The focus of this article is to analyze the various protocols and applications available to us for the implementation of EI therapies and their benefits.