Postural complexity differs between infant born full term and preterm during the development of early behaviors.
OBJECTIVE
Postural control differs between infants born preterm and full term at 1-3weeks of age. It is unclear if differences persist or alter the development of early behaviors. The aim of this longitudinal study was to compare changes in postural control variability during development of head control and reaching in infants born preterm and full term.


METHODS
Eighteen infants born preterm (mean gestational age 28.3±3.1weeks) were included in this study and compared to existing data from 22 infants born full term. Postural variability was assessed longitudinally using root mean squared displacement and approximate entropy of the center of pressure displacement from birth to 6months as measures of the magnitude of the variability and complexity of postural control. Behavioral coding was used to quantify development of head control and reaching.


RESULTS
Group differences were identified in postural complexity during the development of head control and reaching. Infants born preterm used more repetitive and less adaptive postural control strategies than infants born full term. Both groups changed their postural complexity utilized during the development of head control and reaching.


CONCLUSIONS
Early postural complexity was decreased in infants born preterm, compared to infants born full term. Commonly used clinical assessments did not identify these early differences in postural control. Altered postural control in infants born preterm influenced ongoing skill development in the first six months of life.
Motor Development Lab, Department of Physical Therapy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States. Electronic address: scdusing@vcu.edu.
Stacey C
SC
Dusing
Physical Therapist, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, United States. Electronic address: tizzo@mcvh-vcu.edu.
Theresa A
TA
Izzo
Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States. Electronic address: s2lrthac@vcu.edu.
Leroy R
LR
Thacker
Department of Physical Therapy, Biomechanics and Movement Sciences Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States. Electronic address: jacgallo@udel.edu.
James C
JC
Galloway
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D019416:Head Movements; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture
Behaviors; Complexity; Development; Head control; Posture; Preterm infant; Reach