Postural complexity differs between infant born full term and preterm during the development of early behaviors

Abstract

Background and Aims Postural control differs between infants born preterm and full term at 1–3 weeks of age. It is unclear if differences persist or alter the development of early behaviors. The aim of this longitudinal study was to compare changes in postural control variability during development of head control and reaching in infants born preterm and full term. Methods Eighteen infants born preterm (mean gestational age 28.3±3.1 weeks) were included in this study and compared to existing data from 22 infants born full term. Postural variability was assessed longitudinally using root mean squared displacement and approximate entropy of the center of pressure displacement from birth to 6 months as measures of the magnitude of the variability and complexity of postural control. Behavioral coding was used to quantify development of head control and reaching. Results Group differences were identified in postural complexity during the development of head control and reaching. Infants born preterm used more repetitive and less adaptive postural control strategies than infants born full term. Both groups changed their postural complexity utilized during the development of head control and reaching. Discussion Early postural complexity was decreased in infants born preterm, compared to infants born full term. Commonly used clinical assessments did not identify these early differences in postural control. Altered postural control in infants born preterm influenced ongoing skill development in the first six months of life.

Postural Complexity Influences Development in Infants Born Preterm With Brain Injury: Relating Perception-Action Theory to 3 Cases

“…14 Although group differences exist, the general patterns of changes in postural complexity are similar for infants born full term and infants born preterm. 18 All 3 infants in this case series demonstrated some changes in postural complexity over time, between conditions, or both, and these changes may have been related to their developmental outcomes. Infant 1's optimal postural complexity in early development supported her use of action and perception to learn, even with significant motor impairments.…”

“…16 Infants born preterm used more repetitive postural sway patterns at an adjusted age (AA; ie, chronological age minus weeks preterm) of 1 to 3 weeks and demonstrated less adaptive postural control strategies while learning to control their head in the midline position and during a reaching task. 17,18 Evidence on the role of postural complexity in optimal health, early development, and developmental disabilities suggests that alterations in postural complexity may be predictors of disability. 16,19 A better understanding of the role of postural complexity in the prediction of disability may support the identification of clinically useful tools for predicting motor disability.…”

“…These infants were part of a larger study of postural complexity and early motor behaviors. 18 Early diagnosis of brain injury and similar developmental risk factors made the treatment of these 3 infants ideal for revealing the relationships among …”

“…The percentage of the assessment during which the infant's head was in the midline position was calculated for each condition. 18 Behavioral coding was completed by use of video recordings of the assessments and the MacShapa v1.1.2a (Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois) coding program. Coder reliability was documented for the larger study.…”

Physical activity level is impaired and diet dependent in preterm newborn pigs

“…Even at term-corrected age, the brains in preterm infants may show compromised gray matter volume and altered developmental trajectory (1), probably explaining delayed neonatal arousal (2,3) and immature neuromuscular function and brain electroencephalography (4). In more longterm studies, preterm infants have shown reduced postural complexity (5) and lowered motor function (6), potentially persisting until school age (7), or even into adulthood (8). Thus, early impairment of physical locomotion in preterm infants may have long-term consequences.…”