J Korean Soc Neonatol.  2010 Nov;17(2):207-216.

Effect of Neonatal Developmental Intervention Program (NDT) on Motor Development and Growth in Premature Infants

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Busan St. Mary's Medical Center, Busan, Korea. ksm7090@hanmail.net
  • 2Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Busan St. Mary's Medical Center, Busan, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to identify the effects of neonatal developmental intervention program (NDT) in promoting motor development and growth and to determine the usefulness of Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE) and Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) in premature infants.
METHODS
We performed NDT on selected premature infants (PI, n=42) and compared them with the full term control group (FC, n=20). NDT protocol and development assessment (HNNE, NBAS) were manipulated by the physical therapist in the neonatal intensive care unit. The data of this study were collected prospectively.
RESULTS
The PI with GA <34 weeks (VPI) subgroup showed a more use of mechanical ventilator and surfactant, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and intraventricular hemorrhage, and patent ductus arteriosus treated surgically than the PI with GA > or =34 weeks but less than 37 weeks (LPI) subgroup. The average scores improved significantly in the PI group between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd assessment by repeated measure (P=0.000). Also, the PI group showed significantly higher total scores and average score at 40 weeks postmenstrual age, P=0.000, respectively than in the FC group. The LPI subgroup showed more weight gain and change in the head circumference between the 1st and 3rd assessment by repeated measure, respectively, P<0.05. The PI group showed no apnea, bradycardia and late sepsis associated with intervention and assessment.
CONCLUSION
The NDT might be a safe and useful intervention to promote motor and growth outcomes in premature infants. Also, the HNNE and NBAS might be safe and useful tools for assessing neurodevelopment in premature infants.

Keyword

Infant; Premature; Early intervention (education); Growth & development; Outcome assessment

MeSH Terms

Apnea
Bradycardia
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Ductus Arteriosus, Patent
Early Intervention (Education)
Growth and Development
Head
Hemorrhage
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Intensive Care, Neonatal
Neurologic Examination
Physical Therapists
Sepsis
Ventilators, Mechanical
Weight Gain
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