Effects of treadmill training on physical activity in infants at risk for neuromotor delay
Journal
Assistive Technology Research Series
Journal Volume
26
Pages
303-305
Date Issued
2010
Author(s)
Abstract
Purpose: To examine the immediate and long term effects of pre-ambulatory treadmill training on the levels of physical activity (PAL) in infants at risk for neuromotor delay (ND). Relationships between PAL and walking onset (WO) were also examined. Method: Twenty eight infants with moderate risk for ND (9.4±1.3 mo) were randomly assigned to a treadmill training (Experimental group-E-TMT) or a control group (C). Infants were tested at home every two months until they walked independently, and 3 more visits at 1, 4, and 7 months of walking experience. Treadmill training was terminated at WO. PAL profiles were recorded using an activity monitor during the intervention and at the 3 follow-up visits. Results: Infants in both groups walked on average around 15 months corrected age. From 10 to 16 months, infants increased PAL (F(3,37)=2.91, p=0.047). However, the E-TMT group showed a suggestive larger amplitude of trunk activity compared to the C group during the intervention. During the follow-up phase, the E-TMT group showed significantly less time spent in high levels of PA at visit 1 compared to the C group (F(2,28)=5.41, p=0.01). PA and WO yielded significant relationships at 10, 12, and 14 months for the E group and at 12 month for the C group. Conclusions: The treadmill intervention may facilitate high level of PA but the termination of the training at WO may be counterproductive. Apparently, infants who are more active in early development also show earlier WO. Therapeutic interventions should aim to improve the mobility of these infants at moderate risk for locomotor delay.
SDGs
Type
conference paper