title: Effects of postural manipulations on head movements from birth to 4 months of age.
abstract: The authors investigated the effects of postural manipulation on head movement control in infants from birth to 4 months of age. Eighteen full-term infants were presented with a card, which was moved from side to side before their eyes in 3 positions: unsupported supine, supported supine, and supported reclined. The results showed a higher proportion of initial position of head at midline and midline-to-side trajectory, improving the alignment of head and trunk; fewer movement units and movement units after peak velocity; lower mean angular velocity and peak velocity; and a broader rotation of the head in both supported positions. Thus, external support of the head promoted head and trunk alignment, improving stability and enabling the infant to execute better-controlled head movements. These findings may be helpful in early intervention and treatment of at-risk infants.
authors.affiliation: NENEM, Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil. caroldaniellima@gmail.com
authors.forename: Carolina Daniel
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: de Lima-Alvarez
authors.forename: Eloisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tudella
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van der Kamp
authors.forename: Geert J P
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Savelsbergh
mesh_terms: D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation