Abstract
This study examined the effects of an early intervention program on 93 infants weighing <1500 gms. at birth. The study infants (mean birth weight = 1230 gms., mean gestational age = 30 wks.) were randomly assigned to an intervention (I) or non-intervention (NI) group. The I group (n = 49) received 40 min. of proprioceptive stimulation daily beginning at 2 to 3 wks. of age which continued throughout the 2 to 3 months of hospitalization. The gestational age, birth weight, sex distribution, socio-economic status, and maternal educational level were comparable between the two groups. The I infants evidenced a higher state rating and their parents visited more frequently than the NI group (p <.01). Both positive observations are favorable factors for maternal-infant bonding. Neurological and Bayley scale assessment at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months showed significant improvement with increasing age (p <.01), but with no significant differences between the two groups. The data demonstrate the positive role of an early intervention program for enhancing maternal attachment, but fail to suggest a beneficial effect on the neurological and developmental performance at 18 months of age in the low birth weight infant.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rosenfield, A., Vohr, B., Cowett, R. et al. 1151 THE EFFECTS OF AN EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM ON THE LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 555 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01157
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01157