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Published on: August 25, 2014
Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of the SAFE Early Intervention in Infants at Risk: A Randomised Controlled
Ramazan Yildiz1, Ayse Yildiz1, Umut Apaydin2
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey.
Insights
The SAFE early intervention approach significantly improved motor and language development in infants at risk for cerebral palsy (CP). This method, emphasizing active infant participation and family involvement, shows promise before a formal CP diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Early intervention is crucial for infants at risk of cerebral palsy (CP) to enhance neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Approaches focusing on infant engagement and family collaboration are more effective than traditional methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the SAFE early intervention's impact on cognitive, language, and motor development in infants at risk for CP.
- To compare the SAFE approach against conventional neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) practices.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 46 infants at risk for CP.
- Infants were assigned to either the SAFE intervention group (n=23) or a control group receiving NDT-based care (n=23).
- Developmental assessments using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) were conducted at 6 and 12 months.
Main Results:
- The SAFE group showed significant improvements in motor and language scores post-intervention.
- Compared to controls, the SAFE group had significantly higher scores across all Bayley-III domains at 3 months.
- The SAFE group demonstrated significant motor gains over time, while the control group showed significant cognitive improvements.
Conclusions:
- The SAFE early intervention model is a feasible and effective approach for infants at risk for CP.
- This model, emphasizing active infant participation and family engagement, supports improved motor development outcomes, particularly before a formal diagnosis.
Background:
Early intervention for infants at risk of cerebral palsy (CP) plays a critical role in improving neurodevelopmental outcomes. Recently, approaches emphasising infant active participation and family collaboration have shown greater effectiveness compared to traditional methods.
Aims:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the SAFE early intervention approach on cognitive, language, and motor development in infants at risk for CP, in comparison to conventional neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) practices.
Methods:
In this randomised controlled trial, 46 infants were assigned to either the SAFE intervention group (n = 23) or the control group receiving NDT-based care (n = 23). The intervention lasted for 3 months, with developmental assessments conducted at 6 and 12 months using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III).
Results:
Significant improvements were observed in motor and language composite scores in the SAFE group between baseline (T1) and the 3-month follow-up (T2), while cognitive scores showed a non-significant increase. Compared to the control group, the SAFE group demonstrated significantly higher scores across all Bayley-III domains at T2. However, the time × group interaction was significant in favour of the SAFE group for motor scores, while cognitive scores favoured the control group. No significant interaction was observed for language scores. Over time, both groups showed developmental progress in various domains, with the SAFE group exhibiting significant motor gains from T1 to T3. The control group showed significant cognitive improvements from T1 and T2 to T3.
Conclusions:
The SAFE early intervention model appears to be a feasible and effective approach for infants at risk for CP, especially before a formal diagnosis is made. Its focus on active infant participation, family engagement, and enriched environments supports improved motor development outcomes.
Trial Registration:
NCT06930482.
