Infant Motor Development Research Articles

Effect of iron supplementation from neonatal period on the iron status of6-month-old infants at-risk for early iron deficiency: a randomized interventional trial

Objective To investigate the effects of iron supplementation from the second day after birth on 6-month hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin and motor development in infants at risk of early iron deficiency. Study design Term (37–41 weeks) infants of anemic (Hb ≤ 100 g L−1; N = 100) and non-anemic (Hb > 100 g L−1; N = 100) mothers were randomized to daily iron supplementation at a dose of 2 mg kg−1 from 36 h of age (N = 50, each of anemic and non-anemic mothers) or no iron-supplementation (N = 50 each of anemic and non-anemic mothers). Hb, serum ferritin and motor development at 6 months were compared in the two groups. Results Iron-supplemented infants had higher Hb (103.7 ± 9.3 g L−1 versus 97.0 ± 9.4 g L−1, p < .0001) and serum ferritin (133.93 ± 52.41 ng mL−1 versus 78.09 ± 42.03 ng mL−1, p < .001) concentrations, compared with the no iron-supplementation group. Their motor development was closer to age-appropriate norms than the no iron-supplementation group (5.83 ± 0.69 versus 5.18 ± 1.35, p < .01). Conclusion Early Iron supplementation is effective for improving iron status and motor development at 6 months in infants at risk for early iron deficiency.

Natural sunlight plus vitamin D supplementation ameliorate delayed early motor development in newborn infants from maternal perinatal depression

BackgroundIncreased cortisol has been shown to be negatively correlated with infant motor development. Sunlight help decrease the level of cortisol. Vitamin D is associated with infant motor development. The present study aimed to determine whether natural sunlight exposure plus vitamin D supplements could ameliorate delayed early motor development in little infants from maternal perinatal depression. MethodsThe term pregnant women waiting for delivery from the department of gynecology and obstetrics were assessed depressive symptoms by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD). 120 normal and 229 depressed subjects were recruited. During 2 days postpartum, infant motor development were assessed by Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Infants of 2-day-old in maternal depression group were divided into four groups: control group, conventional vitamin D supplements (400IU/d) group, high dose of vitamin D supplements group (1000IU/d), sunlight plus conventional vitamin D supplement group (400IU/d). Serum and hair cortisol (HairF) in mothers and infants were measured. ResultsThe infants of perinatal depressed mothers displayed early motor developmental delay accompanied by increased cortisol. Sunlight plus conventional vitamin D supplement (400IU/d) were better than exclusive vitamin D supplements for the amelioration delayed early motor development in infants (p < 0.05). The infants exposure to sunlight 7–14 h/week plus conventional vitamin D supplement reached the best scores of motor development and the lowest HairF (p < 0.05). LimitationsWe should have measured the serum 25OH-vitamin D concentrations. ConclusionsSunlight plus vitamin D supplements could ameliorate delayed early motor development in little infants by decreasing cortisol from perinatal depression.

Antenatal depression and the impact on infant cognitive, language and motor development at six and twelve months postpartum

BackgroundAntenatal depression is associated with adverse social-emotional and behavioural outcomes during childhood but there has been little investigation of the impact on infant neurodevelopment during the first postnatal year. AimsThe aim of this study was to assess the impact of depression during pregnancy on infant cognitive, language and motor development at six and twelve months using a prospective longitudinal study design. ParticipantsPregnant women with a clinical diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD; n = 23), a history of MDD (n = 34) and a control group (n = 43) and their infants. Outcome measuresMDD was measured during pregnancy and both maternal depression and infant cognitive, language and motor development were measured at six and twelve months postpartum. ResultsAt six months, infants in the MDD group had lower motor development scores (M = 95.48, SD = 11.87) compared with controls (M = 99.97, SD = 10.64, p = .026) after controlling for maternal concurrent depression scores. At twelve months, infants in the MDD group had lower language scores (M = 87.33, SD = 10.54) compared with controls (M = 95.06, SD = 11.78, p = .037) which attenuated after controlling for maternal concurrent depression. ConclusionsThese data contribute to the growing literature investigating the impact of antenatal depression on infant cognitive, language and motor development within the first postnatal year. The association between maternal depression and lower infant motor scores highlights the importance of early intervention for both mothers and infants in situations where maternal well-being is at risk.

Age for Onset of Walking May Predict Physical Activity in Childhood; The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort-Study

Physical activity (PA) is associated with a wide range of health benefits in children and youth. Identifying factors that might influence activity level is important to aim future public health strategies. Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated an association between motor skills and PA in childhood, however few studies have examined whether early motor development in infancy is associated with PA in childhood. PURPOSE: To examine whether age for onset of walking predicts PA in 7 year olds. METHODS: We used data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), which is an ongoing population-based birth cohort study. The mothers reported age for onset of walking (months) and PA at 7 years (frequency of participation per week in moderate-to- vigorous PA [MVPA]) through questionnaires. The PA-questionnaire's validity is tested against accelerometer assessed MVPA (spearman's rho=0.38). We used multiple regression analyses and adjusted the analyses for gestational age, sex and weight at 1 year and parental education as a marker for socio-economic status. A formal test showed no evidence of an interaction by sex. RESULTS: A total of 33013 participants are included in the analysis (49% girls), and the mean age (sd) were 7.1 (0.14) years at follow-up. The average age (sd) for onset of walking were 12.9 (1.86) months, and average participation rate (sd) were 4.3 (2.45) times/week in MVPA. We observed a negative association between age for onset of walking and participation in MVPA in childhood (B=-0.08, 95%CI=-0.10, -0.07) independent of confounding factors. CONCLUSION: This finding indicate that earlier age for onset of walking may predict PA in childhood. However, while the association may be considered week, i.e. each month earlier onset of walking is associated with 0.08 higher participation rate in MVPA (frequency per week), self-reported PA is likely prone to random measurement error attenuating the true association.

The Relationship Between Maternal Physical Activity during Late Pregnancy and Infant Motor Development

The Relationship Between Maternal Physical Activity during Late Pregnancy and Infant Motor Development

Prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 and sex-dependent infant cognitive and motor development.

BackgroundPrenatal exposure to air pollutants including particulate matter (<2.5 μm of diameter,PM2.5)and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has been identified as a potential risk factor for neuropsychological developmental and mental health disorders. ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the associations between prenatal PM2.5 and NO2 exposure and cognitive functions in children at 4–6 years of age, including sex differences, and the modification effect of the duration predominant breastfeeding these associations. DesignThis study was conducted as part of the INMA project, a population-based birth cohort study in Spain (n = 1119). Each of the pregnant mothers was assigned a prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 for their whole pregnancy based on their place of residence. At the 4-6 year-old follow-up, infants’ neuropsychological development was assessed using McCarthy scales: Verbal, Perceptive-Manipulative, Numeric, General Cognitive, Memory and Motor (gross and fine). Between 6 and 14 months of age, information concerning breastfeeding was gathered with a questionnaire. Regression analyses were performed to estimate the associations between exposure and outcomes, accounting for potential confounders. The analyses were stratified by child sex and breastfeeding duration. ResultsThe majority of coefficients for the different cognitive domains were negative either for PM2.5 and NO2, though none was statistically significant. After stratifying by sex, the associations become even more negative for boys, with some of the associations becoming statistically significant (memory both for PM2.5 and NO2), and global cognition and verbal for NO2. Duration of predominant breastfeeding was not found to have a modifying effect. ConclusionsThese findings suggest a sex-dependent effects on neuropsychological development at 4–6 years of age, with a greater vulnerability in boys, specifically in domains related to memory, verbal and general cognition. No modifying effect was observed for duration of predominant breastfeeding.

Development of a Play Toolkit for Supporting Infant and Toddler Development in Kyrgyzstan with a Focus on the Symbolic Functioning and Fine Motor Development of Infants 6 to 36 Months Old

The study aimed to develop a play toolkit to facilitate infants' and toddlers' symbolic thought and fine motor development. This study used a methodological study design including two phases of development and evaluation. After reviewing the play culture and developmental health issues in Kyrgyzstan through a literature review and interviews with local experts and parents, the toolkit was developed and evaluated using content validity and utilization tests. The toolkit was based on Westby's symbolic play and the fine motor milestones in the Bright Futures Guidelines. The Toolkits were composed of an overall suggested play schedule according to the child's age, four kinds of play props, and a utilization guidebook for parents. The play props were a felt book, sorting and assembling blocks, cup blocks, and a tangram. The guidebook contained age-appropriate operating methods and alternative ways to use the materials. A play toolkit was developed to enhance nurturing practices among parents of infants and toddlers. The findings may help facilitate effective interactions between parents and their children. Considering that nurturing care is critical for achieving better child health outcomes, enhancing parenting resources and parent-child relations could function as an effective strategy for promoting child health.

Association between Breastmilk LC PUFA, Carotenoids and Psychomotor Development of Exclusively Breastfed Infants.

The first months of infant life are crucial for proper neurodevelopment, which may be influenced by several factors, including nutrition and nutrients (e.g., long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC PUFA) and carotenoids) of which the concentration in breastmilk is diet-dependent. This study analysed the relationship between the average concentrations of selected LC PUFA and carotenoids in breastmilk samples from the first and third months of lactation and the psychomotor development of exclusively breastfed infants at the sixth month of life. Infant psychomotor development was assessed using the Children Development Scale (DSR). The average age of infants during the assessment was 6.6 ± 0.2 months and 30.9 ± 3.8 years for mothers (n = 39 mother–infant pairs). The average concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was 0.50% of fatty acids. The average concentration of carotenoids was 33.3 nmol/L for β-carotene, 121 nmol/L for lycopene and 33.3 nmol/L for lutein + zeaxanthin. The total results of the Performance scale and Motor subscale were 39 centiles and 4.1 points, respectively. Adjusted multivariate regression models revealed associations between breastmilk DHA and motor development (β = 0.275; p ≤ 0.05), α-linolenic acid (ALA; β = 0.432; p ≤ 0.05), n-3 LC PUFA (β = 0.423; p ≤ 0.05) and β-carotene (β = 0.359; p ≤ 0.05). In addition, an association between the Perception subscale and DHA was observed (β = 0.316; p ≤ 0.05; model 2). There were no significant associations between the overall Performance scale scores. Due to the positive association between concentrations of n-3 LC PUFA (ALA and DHA) and β-carotene in breastmilk and infant motor development, it is important to provide these nutrients with breastmilk. According to the diet-dependent concentration of these compounds in breastmilk, breastfeeding mothers should have a diet abundant in dietary sources of these nutrients, e.g., fish, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, vegetables and fruits.

Provision of low-iron micronutrient powders on alternate days is associated with lower prevalence of anaemia, stunting, and improved motor milestone acquisition in the first year of life: A retrospective cohort study in rural Ethiopia.

Inappropriate complementary feeding contributes to growth faltering, anaemia, and cognitive impairments. Limited programmatic evidence exists on the effectiveness of low-iron micronutrient powders (MNPs) on anaemia and motor development when provided every other day in the first year of life. This study used an existing demonstration project to evaluate associations between exposure of low-iron MNPs, anaemia, and motor development of infants in Southern Ethiopia. Using a retrospective cohort design, 200 infants aged 9 to 12months (98 MNP exposed; 102 unexposed) were recruited, and data on socio-economic characteristics, anthropometric measures, dietary diversity scores (DDS), haemoglobin concentrations, and motor development acquisition were collected, and MNP exposed and unexposed groups were compared. Logistic regressions were run to identify predictors of acquisition of motor development milestones. Sociodemographic characteristics and dietary diversity scores were similar between MNP exposed and unexposed groups. Provision of low-iron (6mg) MNP every other day, for 3months, was associated with reduced risk of anaemia and stunting and increased achievement of motor development. After adjusting for age, infants exposed to MNPs had a higher likelihood of standing alone (AOR=3.1; 95% CI [1.53, 6.46]) and walking alone (4.9; 95% CI [2.12, 11.37]) than unexposed ones. Exposure to MNPs, DDS, stunting, and mothers education were associated with acquisition of motor development milestones. Provision of low-iron dose MNPs on alternate days is associated with lower prevalence of anaemia, stunting, and increased motor development achievements. Integrating routine monitoring of motor development milestones with growth monitoring and anaemia screening can inform nutrition interventions to support optimal brain development.

Developmental Outcome in Infants with Cardiovascular Disease After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Pilot Study.

Unfavorable neurological outcome in children after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in infancy is frequent. However, few studies have investigated the development of these patients using comprehensive developmental tests and the feasibility of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 3rd Edition (BSID-III) has not been reported for this population. In this cross-sectional pilot study, we assessed the cognitive, language, and motor development in infants after cardiopulmonary resuscitation of ≥ 5min with the BSID-III at the age of 12 or 24 months, depending on recruitment age. For analysis, 11 patients with in-hospital (n = 8) and out-of-hospital (n = 3) cardiac arrest were included. BSID-III results could not be quantified in three patients because of visual/hearing and/or motor impairment. In patients with quantifiable scores, 50.0% scored average in composite BSID-III scores, while the other 50.0% showed developmental delays, scoring distinctly below average. We conclude that the BSID-III is feasible for developmental assessment in the majority of the study population, but the use of instruments suitable for hearing/visually impaired and/or severely disabled infants is crucial to avoid biased results. Accurate characterization of developmental deficits is important to facilitate early identification and therapy of deficits.

Osteopathic Treatment on Motor Development of Hypotonic Infants.

Osteopathic Treatment on Motor Development of Hypotonic Infants.

Late Preterm Infants' Social Competence, Motor Development, and Cognition

The aim of this study was to compare the social competence, motor development, and cognition of late preterm infants (LPIs) with full-term infants. Several studies in the recent past indicated that LPIs are at high risk of social development problems. We compared the development of motor skills, cognition, and social competency of LPIs with full-term infants at between 2 and 2.5 years old. The Chinese versions of the Gesell Development Diagnosis scale and the Normal Development of Social Skills from Infants to Junior High School Children scale were used for the assessment. LPIs were not more socially competent than their full-term counterparts. Each skill—namely, adaptability, gross motor, fine motor, language, and personal-social responses—was separately associated with the total level of social skills. It was found that gross motor skills had a positive correlation with the self-help and locomotive abilities, and fine motor skills had a positive association with locomotion abilities. LPIs had risk factors due to their delayed social skills in areas including motor disorders and physiological and perinatal factors. LPIs under three were at a higher risk of impairment in social competency. Therefore, it is recommended that they be monitored regularly to identify the development of social and cognitive disorders at an early stage.

Home environment of infants with risk indicators for hearing loss tends to be less stimulating

ObjectiveTo verify the home opportunities to the motor development offered to infants with and without risk indicators for hearing loss (RIHL). MethodsObservational transversal study was done with infants between 8 and 10 months, being 77 with RIHL (Study Group-SG) and 77 without RIHL (Control Group-CG) The instrument used to characterize the sample and obtain information about the home affordances was the questionnaire Affordances in the Home Environment for the Motor Development - Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS). The results of the AHEMD-IS between the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney and Chi-Squared tests. The significance test adopted for the study was 5%. ResultsAbsolute values in the frequency of homes considered “moderately adequate” and “less than adequate” were greater in the SG in the most part of the categories, except the item Toys for Fine Motricity. It was possible to observe a statistically significant difference in the Total Score of the groups (p-value = 0.01346). Even with better results when compared with the SG, the number of homes of the CG group with affordances below expected is more than half of the sample. ConclusionsIt was possible to verify that home of infants with risk indicators for hearing loss have statistically less affordances when compared to the homes of infants without the indicators. The results alert us to the need of orientation to the infant's responsible/caretakers regarding to the importance of a favorable environment with stimulation of the infant motor development.

Multiple micronutrient supplementation using spirulina platensis and infant growth, morbidity, and motor development: Evidence from a randomized trial in Zambia.

In developing countries, micronutrient deficiency in infants is associated with growth faltering, morbidity, and delayed motor development. One of the potentially low-cost and sustainable solutions is to use locally producible food for the home fortification of complementary foods. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that locally producible spirulina platensis supplementation would achieve the following: 1) increase infant physical growth, 2) reduce morbidity, and 3) improve motor development. We randomly assigned 501 Zambian infants into the control group or the spirulina group. Children in the control group (n = 250) received a soya-maize-based porridge for 12 months; those in the spirulina group (n = 251) received the same food with the addition of spirulina. We assessed the change in infants’ anthropometric status, morbidity (probable pneumonia, cough, probable malaria, and fever), and motor development over 12 months. The baseline characteristics were not different between the two groups. The attrition rate (47/501) was low. The physical growth of infants in the two groups was similar at 12 months of intervention, as measured by height-for-age z-scores and weight-for-age z-scores. Infants in the spirulina group were 11 percentage points less likely to develop a cough (CI: -0.23, -0.00; P < 0.05) and were more likely to be able to walk alone at 15 months (0.96 ± 0.19) than infants in the control group (0.92 ± 0.28). Home-fortification of complementary foods using spirulina had positive effects on upper respiratory infection morbidity prevention and motor milestone acquisition among Zambian infants.

Motor development in infants – conditioning factors and assessment methods

ENWEndNote BIBJabRef, Mendeley RISPapers, Reference Manager, RefWorks, Zotero AMA Chomicz-Wlazły J. Motor development in infants – conditioning factors and assessment methods. Pediatria Polska - Polish Journal of Paediatrics. 2019;94(1):39-45. doi:10.5114/polp.2019.83742. APA Chomicz-Wlazły, J. (2019). Motor development in infants – conditioning factors and assessment methods. Pediatria Polska - Polish Journal of Paediatrics, 94(1), 39-45. https://doi.org/10.5114/polp.2019.83742 Chicago Chomicz-Wlazły, Joanna. 2019. "Motor development in infants – conditioning factors and assessment methods". Pediatria Polska - Polish Journal of Paediatrics 94 (1): 39-45. doi:10.5114/polp.2019.83742. Harvard Chomicz-Wlazły, J. (2019). Motor development in infants – conditioning factors and assessment methods. Pediatria Polska - Polish Journal of Paediatrics, 94(1), pp.39-45. https://doi.org/10.5114/polp.2019.83742 MLA Chomicz-Wlazły, Joanna. "Motor development in infants – conditioning factors and assessment methods." Pediatria Polska - Polish Journal of Paediatrics, vol. 94, no. 1, 2019, pp. 39-45. doi:10.5114/polp.2019.83742. Vancouver Chomicz-Wlazły J. Motor development in infants – conditioning factors and assessment methods. Pediatria Polska - Polish Journal of Paediatrics. 2019;94(1):39-45. doi:10.5114/polp.2019.83742.

REHABILITATION OF INFANTS AFTER TRANSTIBIAL AMPUTATION DUE TO THROMBOSIS IN THE PERINATAL PERIOD. CASE REPORT

Congenital thrombosis and amputation in infancy is not common. Therefore, the existing literature lacks sufficient evidence regarding this subject. Available research primarily focuses on treatment and causes of thrombosis in children. The paper describes a case of preterm infant after transtibial amputation due to common iliac artery thrombosis during the perinatal period. The girl began neurodevelopmental therapy based on normal development patterns of infants, which was provided three times a week for 45 minutes. The rehabilitation process also included prosthesis and surgical interventions. The assessment of motor development of the child was carried out at the age of 6, 9, 12, 18 and 20 months, using the motor scale of the Albert Infants Motor Scale (AIMS). Case analysis allows to state that infant rehabilitation after transtibial amputation should be individualized, and focus on supporting normal motor development, based on the correct movement sequences of infants. Additionally, the AIMS scale can be used to assess the gross motor development in infants after amputation and is useful in formulating early therapeutic intervention. A prosthetist should perform prosthesis revisions as often as needed, i.e., in infants that is usually every 4 months. What is more, successful outcomes can be achieved by implementing proper surgical procedures regarding the appositional overgrowth of the residual limb in growing children.

Factors Associated with Low Muscle Tone and Impact of Common Musculoskeletal Problems on Motor Development in Preterm Infants at One Year of Corrected Age

Factors Associated with Low Muscle Tone and Impact of Common Musculoskeletal Problems on Motor Development in Preterm Infants at One Year of Corrected Age

Early Treadmill Practice in Infants Born With Myelomeningocele: A Pilot Study.

To determine the feasibility of an early treadmill training program for infants with myelomeningocele (MMC) and to measure changes in overt infant motor development and control, including mechanisms underlying the overt changes. Ten infants with MMC were initially enrolled: 8 infants completed 12 consecutive months of training, and 2 completed 6 months of training. Training consisted primarily of home-based, parent-administered treadmill stepping practice 5 days per week, 10 minutes per day starting within 6 months postbirth. We measured motor milestones, treadmill steps, spinal-level reflexes, and body composition. Infants showed earlier acquisition of gross motor skills than previously reported. The number of alternating steps performed increased, indicating more complex neuromotor control and strength. Integrity of monosynaptic pathways and body composition were improved after controlling for chronological age. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using early, home-based treadmill training for infants with MMC starting within 6 months postbirth.

Static and dynamic seductive illustration effects on text‐and‐graphic learning processes, perceptions, and outcomes: Evidence from eye tracking

SummaryThis study aimed to examine how different forms (still pictures vs. animations) of seductive illustrations impact text‐and‐graphic learning processes, perceptions, and outcomes. An eye‐tracking experiment of three groups (static, dynamic, and control) was conducted with 60 college and graduate students while learning with PowerPoint slides about infant motor development milestones. Prior knowledge, learning performance, learning perception, and visual attention were assessed by achievement tests, self‐rated scales, and eye‐tracking measures. Analysis of variance and t test results showed that, under a low task‐load condition, no seductive details effect was found for learning achievement but was found for learning process and perception. Decreased attention was found in the relevant pictures in both experimental groups. With more deeply and intensively processing on the seductive animations, the dynamic group perceived more distractions than the static group. Lag sequential analysis results revealed different visual transitional patterns for the groups, providing deep understandings about the process of seductive details effects.

Nutritional Status with Infant Motor Development

Children under the age of five (toddler) Indonesia experience nerve development and brain disorders ranging from mild to severe. Every 2 out of 1,000 babies experience motor development disorders. Factors affecting motor development in toddlers, such as hereditary, prenatal environment, postnatal environment. Nutritional status plays an important role in motor development. The purpose of this research is to know the relationship of nutritional status with the development of coarse motor toddler This research is an analytical survey research with cross sectional approach. Sampling techniques used are total sampling. Sample as much as 60 toddlers. This data is collected using checklist and observation sheets. Hypothesis test using Chi square correlation analysis. Data analysis results show the value of P value (0.000) &lt; α (0.05) which means there is a significant relationship as well as the relation of relationships belonging to the strong category with the frequency value of the coefficient of (0.625). In conclusion there is a relationship of nutritional status with the infant motor development, and the relationship of these two variables is significant.