Abstract
Recent advances in neonatology have enabled an increasing number of small premature infants to survive. While research on the physiological aspects of prematurity has been abundant, little is known about the early developmental course of these infants. This study examines the development of visual orientation in premature infants and has important theoretical and clinical implications. All infants were assessed using visual items from the Brazelton Scale. In the first 3 groups were 36 AGA, premature infants, breathing room air by 32 weeks gestation. Group 1 was assessed at weekly intervals from 32 to 37 weeks and at 40 weeks. Groups 2 and 3 served as controls for repeated testing. In Group 4 were 12 full-term infants tested at 2 days. Visual orientation increased steadily from 32 to 40 weeks. At 40 weeks, Group 1 was no different in visual behavior from Group 4. However, infants tested less frequently (Groups 2 and 3) performed less well than Groups 1 or 4. Theoretically these results support that view that visual development is gradual but can be affected by experience. Clinically, intervention strategies to enhance visual orientation are recommended in light of previous studies demonstrating the effects of visual behavior on mother-infant interaction.
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Frankenfield, M., Stanley, C., Weinraub, M. et al. 1304 THE DEVELOPMENT OF VISUAL ORIENTATION IN PREMATURE INFANTS. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 660 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01333
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01333