Effects of an early intervention program by the ICF model on the neuropsychomotor development and quality of life in babies in daycare

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims at checking the effects of an early intervention program (EIP) on the neuropsychomotor development (NPMD) and quality of life (QoL) of 4–18 months old babies attending daycare, following the biopsychosocial (BPS) model of health and the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF). It was a quasi-experimental cross-over study, with the evaluations (NPMD and QoL) and interventions (locomotor, stabilizer and manipulative in a circuit format) of 66 babies carried out in the daycare, following an EIP, twice a week, during 4 weeks. The EIP for favoured motor behaviours acquisition, demonstrating that the percentage of babies with risk/delay decreased just after the EIP and positive effects were identified in Physical Capacity in QoL. It is concluded that the proposed EIP program for 4–18 months old infants in daycare showed positive effects on NPMD and QoL, including domains of ICF of function, activity and participation.