Postural development in very low birth weight and normal birth weight infants.

In this study the seven postural responses selected by Vojta to evaluate neuromotor development were applied to 68 very low birth weight (VLBW) (greater than 1500 g) infants and to 28 healthy infants of normal birth weight (less than 2500 g). Of the 68 VLBW infants, 41 were small for gestational age and 27 appropriate for gestational age. All infants were examined between 37 and 40 weeks postmenstrual age. They were all later assessed on the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scale at 12 and 18 months. There were significant differences in postural reactions between the two groups which confirmed the lower tone and greater extension previously described in very low birth weight infants. An important finding in the study was that poor head and trunk righting noted at four months corrected age in very low birth weight infants, was associated with less developed locomotion at 12 and 18 months as assessed by the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scale. Thus, a delay in maturation in very low birth weight infants which was apparent from the assessment of postural responses in early infancy was still identifiable on the locomotor subscales at 12 and 18 months. Five of Vojta's responses were shown to be useful as part of the neurological assessment of high risk infants.