Longitudinal Development of Segmental Trunk Control in Full Term and Preterm Infants- a Pilot Study: Part I

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Infant
• premature
• postural balance
• child development
• motor skills

Acknowledgments

The authors would thank Miss Joyce HL Choi and Miss Cissi SN Fong for their assistance in data collection and management and all the infants and their parents who participated in this study.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the The Hong Kong Polytechnic University internal research funds [UA-2G and ZE-3G].