Leg Movement Rate before and after a Caregiver-Provided Intervention for Infants at Risk of Developmental Disability: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Aim Our purpose was to assess daily leg movement rate before and after a caregiver-provided in-home intervention for infants at risk for developmental disability. We also assessed adherence and quality of caregiver-child interaction. Methods Twelve infants, at risk for developmental disabilities, and their caregivers participated in an intervention focused on increasing leg movements. Intervention started between 3- and 6-months corrected age and ended once the infant was able to sit independently or at 9 months corrected age, whichever occurred first. Infants were assessed monthly. Results Infants at risk for developmental disabilities who were moving less than 1200 leg movements per hour awake at the start of the intervention increased their daily leg movement rate following the intervention (Median [range]: pre-1047 [506–1056], post- 1104 [655–1359], p = 0.040). Additionally, the caregivers had a high adherence (Median: 89%, Range: 11.43%–329.17%) and good quality of caregiver-child interaction (Median NCAST total: 46, Range: 34–59); and maintained similar amounts of adherence (p = 0.575) and quality of caregiver-child interaction (p = 0.432) throughout the intervention. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence that leg movement rate has the potential to be used as an outcome measure to assess an infant’s progress and motor practice during an intervention.