Impact of Early Exposure to Play Materials on Motor Development in High-Risk Infants: A Randomised Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of early exposure to play materials on motor development in high-risk infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 1:1 parallel group randomised control study was conducted. A total of 36 participants were recruited, with 18 in each group. The intervention lasted 6 weeks for both groups, with follow-ups in the 2nd and 4th weeks. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scale 2nd Edition (PDMS-2) was used as an outcome measure. The data was analysed using the Likelihood Ratio test, Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and paired t-test. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups except for the raw reflex scores (t = 3.29, p = 0.002), raw stationary scores (t = 4.26, p < 0.001), standard stationary scores (t = 2.57, p = 0.015), and Gross Motor Quotient (GMQ) (t = 3.275, p = 0.002). Statistical significance within the experimental group was observed in the raw reflex (t = −5.16, p < 0.001), stationary (t = −10.5, p < 0.001), locomotion (t = −5.67, p < 0.001), grasp (t = −4.68, p < 0.001), and visual motor (t = −5.03, p < 0.001) scores, as well as the standard stationary (t = −2.87, p = 0.010), locomotion (t = −3.43, p = 0.003), grasp (t = −3.28, p = 0.004), and visual motor (t = −5.03, p < 0.001) scores. Quotients were the GMQ (t = −7.31, p < 0.001), Total Motor Quotient (TMQ) (t = −5.71, p < 0.001), Fine Motor Quotient (FMQ) (t = −6.48, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The current study concludes that a six-week treatment of early exposure to age-appropriate toys is advantageous in enhancing motor development in high-risk neonates.