Influence of head position and head position-change on body posture in pre-term infants (A.T.N.R.).
Although body posture in pre-term infants is generally studied to describe developmental aspects, no consensus exists in literature about the influence of head position and head position change upon body posture in pre-term infants. In a weekly assessed longitudinal study of 15 healthy pre-term infants we extensively observed and analysed the flexion and extension patterns of the limbs in relation to a "spontaneous" head position turning from 32 to 36 weeks of conceptional age. A significant flexion/extension pattern was only observed with respect to the leg: turning of the head induced extension of the chin leg and flexion of the other leg. This pattern persisted during the total 3 hours observation sessions, occurred at every age and in all states, but rapidly disappeared within maximal 20 seconds after the head-turning. No consequent significant pattern was observed with respect to the other limbs or the various other combinations of limb posture changes analysed. An Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex was seen after only 3 percent of the head position changes.
Vles
J S
JS
Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Maastricht, University of Limburg, The Netherlands.
van Oostenbrugge
R
R
Kingma
H
H
Caberg
H
H
Casaer
P
P
D005121:Extremities / Q000502:physiology*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006257:Head / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D011187:Posture