Background: Prematurity is a global health problem with over 50% of infants born < 30 weeks gestation diagnosed with mild to severe motor disabilities. For infants born preterm, opportunities for tummy time may be limited and parental adherence may influence motor outcomes.
Design: Randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a tummy time intervention and parent education, as compared to standard care, on motor outcomes and adherence.
Methods: 24 infants born < 37 weeks gestation were randomized to an intervention or control group. Motor outcome was compared between groups using the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP). Adherence to the recommended tummy time dosage was measured via parental recording on the PT pal application.
Results: A 2 x 2 mixed design ANOVA analyzed the extent of change between each group’s TIMP z-score preintervention and postintervention. There was no statistically significant association between the group assignment and time on motor outcome. There was a significant difference in TIMP scores at different time points with both groups declining from pre- to post-intervention. Decline was greater in the control group and may be clinically significant. Infants achieving at least 400 total tummy time minutes scored within the average range on the post-intervention TIMP. No difference in adherence was observed between groups; adherence was not impacted by education session or application.
Discussion/Conclusions: The tummy time intervention and parent education had no effect on motor outcome or adherence. Small sample size likely impacted our results. Further research on optimal dosing and parent-led interventions are recommended.