Early neuromuscular development of the premature infant.
A case study is presented which documents the neuromuscular development of a premature infant (34-35 weeks gestation) during the first eight weeks of postnatal life. The development of postural tone, spontaneous activity, and responsiveness to stimulation is described and compared with that of the full-term infant. This information is of value to physical therapists involved in evaluation and therapeutic intervention programs for high risk infants.
D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D024510:Muscle Development; D009129:Muscle Tonus; D009420:Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development*; D011187:Posture; D012018:Reflex; D013391:Sucking Behavior