Article

There is limited research examining the efficacy of early physical
therapy on infants with neuromotor dysfunction. In addition, most early motor
interventions have not been directly linked to learning, despite the clear
association between motor activity and cognition during infancy. Objective: The
aim of this project is to evaluate the efficacy of Sitting Together And Reaching
To Play (START-Play), an intervention designed to target sitting, reaching, and
motor-based problem solving to advance global development in infants with motor
delays or neuromotor dysfunction. Design: This study is a longitudinal multisite
randomized controlled trial. Infants in the START-Play group are compared to
infants receiving usual care in early intervention (EI). Setting: The research
takes place in homes in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington, and Virginia.
Participants: There will be 140 infants with neuromotor dysfunction
participating, beginning between 7 to 16 months of age. Infants will have motor
delays and emerging sitting skill. Intervention: START-Play provides
individualized twice-weekly home intervention for 12 weeks with families to
enhance cognition through sitting, reaching, and problem-solving activities for
infants. Ten interventionists provide the intervention, with each child assigned
1 therapist. Measurements: The primary outcome measure is the Bayley III Scales
of Infant Development. Secondary measures include change in the Early Problem
Solving Indicator, change in the Gross Motor Function Measure, and change in the
type and duration of toy contacts during reaching. Additional measures include
sitting posture control and parent-child interaction. Limitations: Limitations
include variability in usual EI care and the lack of blinding for
interventionists and families. Conclusions: This study describes usual care in EI
across 4 US regions and compares outcomes of the START-Play intervention to usual
care.

Langue : ANGLAIS