Effect of Neuro-Development Treatment on motor development in preterm infants

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of Neuro-Development Treatment on development in the preterm infants. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 96 premature infants were recruited for this study; 62 low birth weight preterm infants (<2.5 kg, high risk infants for developmental delay) and 34 premature infants (>2.5 kg, low risk infants for developmental delay). High risk infants were divided into intervention group (32 infants) and control group (30 infants) at time of admission. Low risk infants were into comparative group (34 infants). All infants received general nursing care in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Additionally, Intervention group received Neuro-Development Treatment for 15 minutes 4 times per week up to 40 week postconceptional age. We evaluated Test of Infant Movement Performance at baseline, 2 weeks after and 40 week postconceptional age. [Results] In score on Test of Infant Movement Performance there was more increase in intervention group than in control group and comparative group. [Conclusion] According to findings in this study, we find that Neuro-Development Treatment in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has an effect on development in the preterm infants.