Longitudinal Development of Segmental Trunk Control in Full Term and Preterm Infants- a Pilot Study: Part I. (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pin, Tamis W.; Butler, Penelope B; Cheung, Hon-Ming; Shum, Sandra Lai-Fong
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 23:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: Infant -- premature -- postural balance -- child development -- motor skills; Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2019.1648580
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Purpose : No previous study examined trunk control development in preterm infants. The present study examined the longitudinal development of segmental trunk control from 4 to 12 months of (corrected) age in preterm infants in comparison with full-term infants. Methods : Thirty-one preterm infants and 30 full-term infants were recruited. All infants were tested monthly using the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale at 4, 8 and 12 months of age. Results : Segmental trunk control development was significantly delayed in the preterm infants. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between trunk control status and gross motor skills. Conclusion : This was first study showing that segmental trunk control development was significantly different in preterm infants. Segmental trunk control and gross motor performance were coupled in young infants. A dual focus on training upright trunk control and specific motor skills may maximise therapy outcomes for infants with motor delay.