Author: Doreen J. Bartlett, PT, PhD and Jamie E. Kneale Fanning, MCISc
Source: Pediatric Physical Therapy, 2003; 15:8-15
In this study from Canada, the authors collected data about the use of play equipment and position devices like jolly jumpers, walkers, exersaucers, seats, swings, backpacks, snugglies and carrying (holding the child). This information was gathered during the month before the eight month corrected age follow up visit for 60 preterm infants. The researchers also scored the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) for each child. The AIMS is a standardized observational and norm-referenced measure of infant motor development from birth through independent walking. It provides a total score and subscale scores for activities in prone (on the stomach), supine (on the back), sitting, and standing. A higher score represents a higher level of development. Frequent use of a swing was associated with lower total AIMS scores and lower scores in the prone and sit subscales. Greater use of carrying throughout the day was associated with lower sit scores and higher overall use of equipment was associated with lower sit and stand scores. Infants whose favorite play position was prone obtained higher AIMS scores than infants whose favorite play position was supine.
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