Treadmill responses and physical activity levels of infants at risk for neuromotor delay.
OBJECTIVE
This study described developmental changes in treadmill (TM) stepping and physical activity (PA) of infants at risk for neuromotor delay (ND) and explored these changes by diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP). Relationships of stepping and PA with walking onset were examined.


METHODS
Fifteen infants at risk for ND (9.9 +/- 2.4 months) were tested every 2 months on a TM until walking onset or 24 months of corrected age. We recorded PA profiles using an activity monitor. Throughout the study, 6 of the 15 infants received a CP diagnosis.


RESULTS
Infants increased alternating steps (AltStp), decreased toe contacts, and increased high-level PA. Infants with CP showed less AltStp, more toe contacts, and less high-level PA than those without CP. Infants' AltStp and high-level PA revealed a positive correlation to earlier onset of walking.


CONCLUSIONS
Future studies should examine whether a TM intervention could improve mobility in infants at risk for ND.
School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5406, USA. rangulo@umich.edu
Rosa M
RM
Angulo-Barroso
Chad W
CW
Tiernan
Li-Chiou
LC
Chen
Dale
D
Ulrich
Heather
H
Neary
D000367:Age Factors; D001724:Birth Weight; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009043:Motor Activity; D016138:Walking