The Effect of Physical Activity on Motor Performance, Neuromuscular Development and Physiological Responses in Preterm Infants: Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract: The effect of Physio-Hydrotherapy on Motor Performance, Neuromuscular Development and physiological response of Preterm Infants: Randomized Clinical Trial Introduction: Although the survival rate of preterm infants and newborns with low birth weight has increased, the prevalence of developmental problems and motor disorders among this population of infants has still remained the same. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of physio-hydrotherapy programs on motor performance and neuromuscular development of preterm infants. Material and method: The present study is a randomized single blind clinical trial on 76 preterm infants hospitalized in the intensive care unit of Alzahra Teaching Hospital in Tabriz, Iran. The participants were randomly divided into four parallel groups of 19 people. The infants in physiotherapy group received passive flexion/extension in the joints of hands and feet based on Moyer-Mileur protocol. The infants in hydrotherapy group were given semi-rotational exercises for shoulders and pelvic area in water every other day. The combination group received physiotherapy and hydrotherapy programs every other day. Finally, the containment group was supported by holding the infants’ hands on their heads and their pelvises in the side-lying position for 10 minutes each day. The evaluation of motor performance was performed using the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) and neuromuscular examination based on Dubowitz and new Ballard score. Vital signs (heart rate and oxygen saturation) before, during and after the intervention were measured by pulse oximetry portable. The respiratory rate was measured by observation. Results: Different types of physio-hydrotherapy programs showed to be equally effective on motor performance of preterm infants. TIMP performance did not differ among groups at 34 weeks PMA(P>0.05). Postural tone of leg recoil was significant higher in experimental groups post intervention(P<0.05). Vital signs within normal range in all groups did not show a significant difference changes before, during and after the intervention (P>0.05). Conclusion:Physio-hydrotherapy programs have the same containment effects on motor performance. This programs had a positive effects on leg recoil elements of postural tone among infants born preterm. The physiological stability was kept before, during and after interventions and did not make instability or physiologic stress.