Effect of individualized home-based intervention program in preterm infants at 35-36 weeks gestational age using prechtl’s general movement assessment: a pre-post experimental study

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth associated with various abnormalities can have a detrimental impact on an infant’s developmental outcome which marks the need of a landmark tool to detect an abnormality at an early age and incorporate specific intervention strategies. Positive effects of intervention on developmental outcomes have been noted, however tailored home-based intervention programs on developmental enhancements are essential. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of Individualized Home Based Developmental Program on the neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants using Prechtl’s General Movement Assessment. Methodology: Ninety preterm infants admitted to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)of a tertiary care hospital in Tertiary care hospital at Belagavi, Karnataka, India. The study was carried out for a duration of 12 months. Participants were conveniently selected from a population-based sample from May 2018 to March 2019. Based on the inclusion criteria of the study, these infants were screened for the movement trajectories on Prechtl’s GMA at 3-36- and 38-40-weeksGA(Gestational Age) respectively. Out of the 90 infants, 19 infants showing abnormal movement trajectories were recruited for individualized home-based developmental program for a duration of 12 weeks followed by re-evaluation at 3 months post term age. Results: The results were statistically significant (p<0.001) with 14 out of 19 infants exhibiting 70% improvement with normal Fidgety movements at 3 months post term age. Conclusion: IHBP delivered for 12 weeks was found to be effective in promoting developmental outcome in preterm infants. KEY WORDS: Preterm infants, Prechtl’s General Movement Assessment, home-based early intervention.