A review of the effects of sleep position, play position, and equipment use on motor development in infants

Abstract

Since 1992, parents have been urged to place their infants on their back when asleep. The resulting lack of experience in a prone position appears to cause developmental delay in infants. Use of various infant equipment, except baby walkers, has not been examined thoroughly to establish their influence on the motor development of infants. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of sleep and play positions, and use of infant equipment, on motor development. Nineteen studies with evidence at level II were selected against the selection criteria and scored against the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Despite the generally poor methodological quality, the studies have consistently shown that there was transient delay in motor development for healthy term and low‐risk preterm infants who were not exposed to the prone position or who did not use infant equipment. However, most of these infants walked unaided within a normal time frame. Limited evidence was found for the effect on more vulnerable infants. More rigorous longitudinal studies using outcome measures focusing on movement quality are recommended to understand any long‐lasting influence on the motor skills in these infants.

Benefícios do decúbito ventral associado ao CPAP em recém-nascidos prematuros

“…Além dos resultados observados nesse estudo, o posicionamento do RNPT em decúbito ventral também traz benefícios a outros sistemas além do respiratório, como no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor (DNPM), manutenção da temperatura corpórea e redução do estresse [20][21][22][23][24][25] . Embora esses aspectos não tenham sido avaliados nesse estudo é importante ressaltar a importância de tratar o paciente de maneira global, e não apenas no tocante ao sistema respiratório.…”

Motor and Cognitive Development Predictors of Infants of Adolescents and Adults Mothers

“…Estudo recente observou associações entre as práticas parentais e conhecimento dos pais e o desenvolvimento motor e cognitivo ao longo do tempo 36 , corroborando com os resultados encontrados no estudo. Bebês que dormem em posturas que ofereçam mais oportunidades para o desenvolvimento (de lado ou em prono), tendem a apresentar escores motores superiores [44][45][46] . Estudo prévio sugere que as crianças brasileiras geralmente permanecem muito tempo no colo e raramente são colocadas no chão para brincar nos primeiros seis meses de vida 47 , o que tem sido um indicativo de uma proteção geradora de atraso desenvolvimental 32 .…”

An activity stimulation programme during a child's first year reduces some indicators of adiposity at the age of two‐and‐a‐half

“…Table 1 outlines the programme. Parents were advised to spend 1 h daily playing with their infant on a blanket on the floor with the infant in the prone position, as it is known that motor development is maximised in this position (15). Bright and colourful toys were used to stimulate activity.…”