Investigation and influence analysis of motor development in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE

To study early motor development in preterm infants, analyze related factors causing motor development delay, and provide evidence for early motor intervention.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, the clinical data of 80 preterm infants who were registered in Pingxiang Maternity and Child Care from January 2021 to December 2021 were analyzed. Preterm infants' ages were corrected for month of age and their gross motor development was assessed by the AIMS motor scale. AIMS exercise scale was used to correct the motor development of 1-month-old premature infants. The preterm infants were divided into a normal motor development group (n = 63) and an abnormal motor development group (n = 17) according to their motor development. Sixty-three full-term infants with normal motor development registered in the hospital during the same period were selected as a control group to observe the differences between preterm infants with normal motor development and full-term infants. Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing gross motor retardation in preterm infants.

RESULTS

Among the 80 preterm infants, sixty-three (78.75%) had Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) > P, indicating normal motor development; seventeen patients (21.25%) had AIMS score ≤ P, suspected as motor retardation. There were significant differences in birth weight and gestational age between preterm infants and full-term infants after 1 month of correction ( < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that height at the corrected age of 1 month, weight at the corrected age of 1 month, head circumference at the corrected age of 1 month, and female sex were protective factors for motor retardation. Multiple pregnancy was a risk factor for motor retardation in preterm infants.

CONCLUSION

The early motor development status of preterm infants is generally good. The height, weight, and head circumeferance at the corrected age of 1 month, and female sex were protective factors for motor development delay in preterm infants. Multiple pregnancy was a risk factor. Attention should be paid to premature boys with slow weight gain, and early detection and intervention for motor retardation in preterm infants should be given.