Abstract
Introduction: Although the survival rate of infants born preterm has increased, the prevalence of developmental problems and motor disorders among this population of infants remains the same. This study investigated the effect of physical activity programs in and out of water on motor performance and neuromuscular development of infants born preterm and had induced immobility by mechanical ventilation. Methods: This study was carried out in Al-Zahra hospital, Tabriz. 76 premature infants were randomly assigned into four groups. One group received daily passive range of motion to all extremities based on the Moyer-Mileur protocol. Hydrotherapy group received exercises for shoulders and pelvic area in water every other day. A combination group received physical activity programs in and out of water on alternating days. Infants in a containment group were held in a fetal position. Duration of study was two weeks ‘from 32 through 33 weeks post menstrual age (PMA). Motor outcomes were measured by the Test of Infant Motor Performance. Neuromuscular developmental was assessed by New Ballard scale and leg recoil and Ankle dorsiflexion items from Dubowitz scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13. Results: TIMP and neuromuscular scores improved in all groups. Motor performance did not differ between groups at 34 weeks PMA. Postural tone of leg recoil was significantly higher in physical activity groups post intervention. Conclusion: Physical activities and containment didn’t have different effects on motor performance in infants born preterm. Leg recoil of neuromuscular development items was affected by physical activity programs.
Highlights
The survival rate of infants born preterm has increased, the prevalence of developmental problems and motor disorders among this population of infants remains the same
All of the infants were at 32 weeks post menstrual age (PMA) and the mean chronological age was 28.98 (SD=12.64) days at the beginning of the study. (Table 1 describes clinical and demographic variables.)
The present study compares the effect of various types of physical activity programs on functional motor performance and neuromuscular development of postural tone in infants born preterm
Summary
The survival rate of infants born preterm has increased, the prevalence of developmental problems and motor disorders among this population of infants remains the same. Despite the innovative interventions and improved survival rates for immature infants,[3] the incidence of developmental and motor disorders among these infants has remained almost unchanged.[4,5] Secondary concerns are about increased rates of developmental disability and the declining quality of life in preterm infants.[6] Motor developmental disorders as well as hearing and sight disorders are associated with preterm birth and very low birth weight It has been observed in one out of every three infants born premature.[4] Complex biological, medical, and environmental elements contribute to developmental problems in infants born preterm.[7,8,9,10,11,12] Small for gestational age premature infants are at a higher risk for developmental and cognitive delays. Those born at extremely low birth weights are at a double risk and require special clinical attention and care.[13]
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