title: Effects of a neurodevelopmental treatment-based trunk protocol for infants with posture and movement dysfunction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was used to evaluate the efficacy of a neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT)-based sequenced trunk activation protocol for change in gross motor function of infants aged 4 to 12 months with posture and movement dysfunction. Infants who received a dynamic co-activation trunk protocol were compared with a control group who received a parent-infant interaction and play protocol.
  
  
  METHODS
  A repeated measures randomized block design was used. A masked reliable examiner assessed infants before, immediately after, and 3 weeks after intervention using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The NDT-based protocol group made significantly (P = 0.048) more progress than the control group from pretest to posttest.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cautious support was found for (1) sequenced, dynamic trunk co-activation intervention compared to generalized infant play; (2) high-frequency, short-term, task-specific intervention; and (3) direct service by NDT-trained pediatric therapists specializing in infant intervention.
authors.affiliation: Ohana Physical Therapy, 1875 Kalanianaole Street #505, Hilo, HI 96720, USA. sherrypt1@earthlink.net
authors.forename: Sherry W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Arndt
authors.forename: Lynette S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Chandler
authors.forename: Jane K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Sweeney
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Sharkey
authors.forename: Jan Johnson
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: McElroy
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011187:Posture; D020127:Recovery of Function; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016896:Treatment Outcome