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BACKGROUND: Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) who undergo open-heart surgery are at risk of developmental impairment, including motor delay, which contributes to parental concerns. Additionally, parents experience prolonged stress associated with their child's disease. There is a lack of early motor interventions in infants with CHD accounting for parental burdens. We developed a family-tailored early motor intervention (EMI-Heart), aiming to promote motor development in infants with CHD and family well-being. The primary aim was to evaluate the feasibility of the study design and the intervention. The secondary aim was to evaluate differences between the intervention and the control group in motor outcomes and family well-being at baseline (3-5 months), post-treatment (6-8 months), and at follow-up (12 months). METHOD: In this single-centre feasibility randomized control trial (RCT), infants with CHD after open-heart surgery without genetic or major neurological comorbidities were randomly allocated to EMI-Heart or the control group (standard of care). EMI-Heart's key elements promote postural functional activities and encourage parental sensitivity to infants' motor and behaviour cues. Infants assigned to EMI-Heart received nine sessions of early motor intervention at home, in the hospital, and online for a duration of 3 months by a paediatric physiotherapist. We performed descriptive statistics for feasibility and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The recruitment rate was 59% (10/17), all participating families completed the study (10/10), and the intervention duration was 3.9 months (± 0.54), including nine intervention sessions per family. Median acceptability to parents was 3.9 (1 = not agree-4 = totally agree, Likert scale). The paediatric physiotherapist considered the intervention as feasible. The comparison of motor outcomes did not show differences between groups. However, we detected improved reliable change scores in family well-being outcomes for families of the intervention group compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our research indicates that EMI-Heart is a feasible intervention for infants with CHD after open-heart surgery. The intervention was highly acceptable both to parents and to the paediatric physiotherapist. Online treatment sessions offer a valuable alternative to home and hospital visits. This feasibility RCT provides a foundation for a future full trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCTT04666857. Registered 23.11.2020.

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BACKGROUND: Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing open-heart surgery are at risk for developmental impairments with motor delay manifesting first and contributing to parental concerns. Only a few interventional studies aim to improve neuromotor development in infants with CHD with inconclusive results. We thus developed a family-tailored early motor intervention (EMI-Heart), which aims to promote motor development and family well-being in the first year of life after open-heart surgery. The primary aim described in this protocol is to evaluate feasibility of EMI-Heart. The secondary aim is to describe the difference between the intervention and control group in motor outcomes and family well-being at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up. METHODS: This prospective, parallel single-center feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare EMI-Heart with standard of care in infants with complex CHD. Sixteen infants and their families, randomly allocated to EMI-Heart or the control group, will participate within the first 5 months of life. Infants assigned to EMI-Heart will receive early motor intervention for 3 months. The intervention's key is to promote infants' postural control to enhance motor development and partnering with parents to encourage family well-being. Feasibility outcomes will be (a) clinical recruitment rate and percentage of families completing EMI-Heart, (b) average duration and number of sessions, and (c) acceptability of EMI-Heart using a parental questionnaire post-treatment, and descriptive acceptability of EMI-Heart to the pediatric physiotherapist. Secondary outcomes of the intervention and control group will be infants' motor outcomes and questionnaires assessing family well-being at 3-5 months (baseline), at 6-8 months (post-treatment), and at 12 months of age (follow-up). We will evaluate feasibility using descriptive statistics. Non-parametric statistical analysis of secondary outcomes will assess differences between the groups at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up. DISCUSSION: This feasibility RCT will provide information about a newly developed family-tailored early motor intervention in infants with complex CHD. The RCT design will provide a foundation for a future large-scale interventional trial for infants with CHD after open-heart surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study protocol (version 1.3, 01.02.2022) was approved by the Cantonal Ethics Commission Zurich (BASEC-Nr. 2019-01,787) and is registered by Clinicaltrials.gov (NCTT04666857).

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Purpose: To compare family and functional outcome in infants at very high risk of cerebral palsy, after receiving the family centred programme "Coping with and Caring for infants with special needs (COPCA)" or typical infant physiotherapy.Materials and methods: Forty-three infants at very high risk were included before 9 months corrected age and randomly assigned to one year COPCA (n = 23) or typical infant physiotherapy (n = 20). Family and infant outcome were assessed before and during the intervention. Physiotherapy intervention sessions were analysed quantitatively for process analysis. Outcome was evaluated with non-parametric tests and linear mixed-effect models.Results: Between-group comparisons revealed no differences in family and infant outcomes. Within-group analysis showed that family's quality of life improved over time in the COPCA-group. Family empowerment was positively associated with intervention elements, including "caregiver coaching."Conclusions: One year of COPCA or typical infant physiotherapy resulted in similar family and functional outcomes. Yet, specific intervention elements, e.g., coaching, may increase empowerment of families of very high risk infants and may influence quality of life, which emphasizes the importance of family centred services.Implications for rehabilitationOne year of the family centred programme "Coping with and a Caring for infants with special needs" compared with typical infant physiotherapy resulted in similar family outcome and similar functional outcome for the infants at very high risk for cerebral palsy.Specific contents of intervention, such as caregiver coaching, are associated with more family empowerment and increased quality of life.Emphasis on family needs is important in early intervention for infants at very high risk for cerebral palsy.

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Purpose: Evidence for efficacy of early intervention in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy (CP) is limited. We compared outcome of infants at very high risk of CP after receiving the family centered program COPing with and CAring for infants with special needs (COPCA) or typical infant physiotherapy.Materials and methods: Forty-three infants were randomly assigned before the corrected age of 9 months to 1 year of COPCA (n = 23) or typical infant physiotherapy (n = 20). Neuromotor development, cognition, and behavior was assessed until 21 months corrected age. Video-recorded physiotherapy sessions were quantitatively analyzed for further process analyses. Outcome was evaluated with nonparametric tests and linear mixed effect models.Results: During and after the interventions, infant outcome in both intervention groups was similar [primary outcome Infant Motor Profile: COPCA 82 (69-94), typical infant physiotherapy 81 (69-89); Hodges Lehman estimate of the difference 0 (confidence interval -5;4)]. Outcome was not associated with contents of intervention.Conclusions: One year of COPCA and 1 year of typical infant physiotherapy in infants at high risk of CP resulted in similar neurodevelopmental outcomes. It is conceivable that combinations of active ingredients from different approaches are needed for effective early intervention.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONFor infants at very high risk of cerebral palsy, 1 year of intervention with the family-centred programme Coping with and Caring for infants with special needs resulted in similar infant outcome as 1 year of typical infant physiotherapy.Infant's neuromotor, cognitive, and behavioural outcome was not associated with specific interventional elements, implying that the various elements may have a similar effect on developmental outcome.We suggest that a specific mix of ingredients of different approaches may work best, resulting in comprehensive care including both infant and family needs.

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PURPOSE: To investigate postural effects of the family-centered program, COPing with and CAring for infants with special needs (COPCA), applied at 3 to 6 months' corrected age in infants at high risk of cerebral palsy. Previously, we reported postural differences between the infants at risk of CP in the control group of the current study and a group of infants developing typically. Now we focus on differences between 2 intervention groups. METHODS: We explored postural adjustments during reaching in seated infants at 4, 6, and 18 months using surface electromyography of arm, neck, and trunk muscles. Infants randomly received the family-centered program or another infant physical therapy. Using videotaped intervention sessions, we investigated correlations between time spent on specific physical therapeutic actions and direction specificity, recruitment order, and anticipatory activation at 18 months. RESULTS: Postural adjustments in both groups were similar, but development of direction specificity and anticipatory activation in COPCA infants better mimicked typical development. These 2 parameters were associated with COPCA-type physical therapeutic actions. CONCLUSIONS: Postural control was similar after both interventions. Positive outcomes were associated with fewer intervening actions of the therapist and greater allowance of spontaneous movements.

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Background: Coaching is en vogue in pediatric physiotherapy, but often applied rather unspecific and undefined. Methods: This paper aims to describe coaching in early physiotherapy intervention, taking the specific coaching approach of the family-centered program "COPing with and CAring for infants with special needs" (COPCA) as a case in point. Results: The theoretical underpinnings of coaching in COPCA, including a meta-model, family-centered practice, the Neuronal Group Selection Theory and the goal-oriented coaching approach, are discussed. Next, the translation of theory into practical ingredients for coaching of families of a child with special needs is presented. The latter includes the appreciation of family autonomy and attitudes, and the creativity to ask specific questions to support the families in making their own decisions to promote their child's development during daily care-giving routines. Conclusion: It is concluded that the approach of coaching is demanding for both families and pediatric physiotherapists. It requires an active role of the family members in the intervention process and for therapists that they incorporate the attitude of a coach that largely differs from the attitude of the traditional therapist. For families and pediatric physiotherapists appreciating these changes in attitude, COPCA's coaching offers a promising form of early intervention. Implications for rehabilitation We recommend the implementation of the promising approach of goal-oriented and solution-focused coaching in pediatric rehabilitation and/or early intervention. We recommend applying coaching methods that are based on explicit theoretical background and clinical knowledge. We recommend formal training in coaching before professionals apply coaching in pediatric rehabilitation and/or early intervention.

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PURPOSE: To monitor changes in time spent on pediatric physical therapy actions during a COPing With and CAring for Infants With Special Needs (COPCA) course. METHODS: Data were collected before (T0), during, and after (T3) the course, which was attended by 15 Swiss physical therapists. Four treatment sessions of each therapist were video recorded and analyzed with the Groningen Observation Protocol 2.0, allowing for quantification of relative duration of therapeutic actions. RESULTS: Between T0 and T3, time spent on caregiver coaching and hands-off approaches significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: The shift from caregiver trainer to family coach and the increasing hands-off techniques represent successful changes in various domains of behavior. The moderate changes in hands-off approaches suggest that changing habits requires specific attention. The COPCA course will be adapted accordingly.

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AIMS: The aim of our observational longitudinal study is to evaluate changes over time in standard pediatric physical therapy (PPT) for infants at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS: Treatment sessions in two time periods (2003-2005 [n = 22] and 2008-2014 [n = 16]) were video recorded and analyzed quantitatively in five categories: neuromotor actions, educational actions, communication, position, and situation of treatment session. Differences in percentages of time spent on therapeutic actions between periods were tested with Mann-Whitney U and Hodges Lehmann's tests. RESULTS: No significant changes appeared in the main categories of neuromotor actions. Time spent on not-specified educational actions toward caregivers (median from 99% to 81%, p = .042) and not-specified communication (median from 72% to 52%, p = .002) decreased. Consequently, time spent on specific educational actions (caregiver training and coaching; median from 1% to 19%, p = .042) and specific communication (information exchange, instruct, provide feedback; median from 21% to 38%, p = .007) increased. Infant position changed only minimally: time spent on transitions-that is, change of position-decreased slightly over time (median from 7% to 6%, p = .042). Situation of treatment session did not change significantly over time. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromotor actions in PPT remained largely stable over time. Specific educational actions and communication increased, indicating larger family involvement during treatment sessions.

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BACKGROUND: The long-term effect of early intervention in infants at risk for developmental disorders is unclear. The VIP project (n=46, originally) evaluated by means of a randomised controlled trial the effect of the family centred early intervention programme COPCA (Coping with and Caring for infants with special needs) in comparison to that of traditional infant physiotherapy (TIP). AIMS: To evaluate the effect of early intervention on functional outcome at school age. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Parents of 40 children (median age 8.3years) participated in this follow-up study. Outcome was assessed with a standardised parental interview (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale) and questionnaires (Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire, Child Behaviour Checklist, Utrechtse Coping List, and questions on educational approach). Quantified video information on physiotherapeutic actions during infancy was available. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Child functional outcome in the two randomised groups was similar. Process evaluation revealed that some physiotherapeutic actions were associated with child mobility and parental educational approach at follow-up: e.g., training and instructing were associated with worse mobility. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Functional outcome at school age after early intervention with COPCA is similar to that after TIP. However, some specific physiotherapeutic actions, in particular the physiotherapist's approach, are associated with outcome. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Early intervention is generally applied in infants at risk for developing disorders, with the aim of improving overall functional outcome. However, little is known on the long-term effect. The VIP project evaluated by means of a randomised controlled trial the effect of the family centred early intervention programme COPCA (Coping with and Caring for infants with special needs) in comparison to that of traditional infant physical therapy (TIP). Outcome at 18months corrected age was virtually similar. Process evaluation of the physiotherapy actions revealed that some characteristics of COPCA were associated with improved developmental outcome at 18months. This paper presents data on functional outcome at school age (median 8.3years) in 87% of the original participants. Outcome of infants who received three months of COPCA and that of infants who received three months of TIP was similar. Yet, parents of families who had received the COPCA intervention still more often used a trial and error approach when the child learned a new skill than parents of children who had received TIP. Process evaluation showed that more time spent on caregiver training and strict instructions during early intervention was associated with worse mobility. Four other physiotherapeutic actions were associated with parental educational approach. None of the neuromotor actions were associated with child outcome at school age. We conclude that long-term outcome after three months of COPCA or TIP is similar. However, our study does suggest that the professional approach of the physiotherapist can make a difference.

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BACKGROUND: Paediatric physiotherapy (PPT) in high-risk infants comprises family involvement, but it is unclear whether parents mediate the intervention effect. We demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial in high-risk infants comparing the family centred programme Coping and Caring for infants with special needs (COPCA) and Traditional Infant Physiotherapy (TIP) that process evaluation revealed associations between COPCA-characteristics and outcome. AIMS: To assess whether PPT affects how parents position their infant during bathing and whether this is associated with child outcome. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: 21 infants received COPCA and 25 TIP between 3 and 6 months corrected age. Bathing sessions were videotaped at 3, 6 and 18 months. Time spent with specific infant positions was correlated with quantified PPT-actions and functional mobility at 18 months measured with the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: At 3 and 18 months bathing position was similar in both groups, but differed at 6 months (time spent on sitting: COPCA 77.7%, TIP 39.2%; median difference 32.0% (95% CI: 10.6-50.5%). Sitting-time at 6 months was associated with higher PEDI functional mobility scores. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Early PPT may affect parental behaviour, such as infant positioning during bathing, which, in turn, may affect child development.

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PURPOSE: To evaluate longitudinal applicability of the gross motor function measure (GMFM) in infants younger than 2 years. METHODS: Twelve infants at very high risk for cerebral palsy were enrolled between 1 and 9 months corrected age. The children were assessed 4 times during 1 year with the GMFM-66, GMFM-88, and other neuromotor tests. RESULTS: Longitudinal use of the GMFM in infancy was hampered by age and function-specific limitations. The GMFM-66 differentiated less at lower-ability levels than at higher-ability levels. The GMFM-88 demonstrated flattening of the developmental curve when infants had developed more motor abilities. We formulated adaptations for the longitudinal use of GMFM in infancy. CONCLUSIONS: To facilitate use of the GMFM in infancy, an adapted version may be an option. Further research is required to assess reliability and validity, and in particular, the sensitivity to change of the suggested adaptations.

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During the past two decades, awareness of the role of the family in the child's life has increased and the term 'family-centred services' (FCS) has been introduced to facilitate care for children with special needs and their families. It is, however, unclear how various early intervention programmes incorporate family involvement in service delivery. The present study systematically analyses the nature of family involvement in six frequently used early intervention programmes for infants at high risk of developmental disorders: neurodevelopmental treatment, treatment according to Vojta, Conductive Education, Infant Health and Development Program, Infant Behaviour Assessment and Intervention Program, and Coping with and Caring for infants with special needs - a family-centred programme (COPCA). The analysis shows that the role of the family is diverse: it varies from parent training to be a therapist without attention to family function (in Vojta) to the autonomous family that receives coaching (COPCA). The data suggest two trends over time: (1) from child-focused to family-focused orientation; and (2) from professionally directed guidance to coaching based on equal partnership.

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BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews have suggested that early intervention by means of specific motor training programs and general developmental programs in which parents learn how to promote infant development may be the most promising ways to promote infant motor and cognitive development of infants with or at high risk for developmental motor disorders. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a recently developed pediatric physical therapy intervention program ("Coping With and Caring for Infants With Special Needs" [COPCA]) on the development of infants at high risk for developmental disorders using a combined approach of a 2-arm randomized trial and process evaluation. SETTING: The study was conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: Forty-six infants at high risk for developmental disorders were randomly assigned to receive COPCA (a family-centered program) (n=21) or traditional infant physical therapy (TIP) (n=25) between 3 to 6 months corrected age (CA). Developmental outcome was assessed by blinded assessors at 3, 6, and 18 months CA with a neurological examination, the Alberta Infant Motor Scales, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, and the Mental Developmental Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Contents of the intervention were analyzed by a quantitative video analysis of therapy sessions. Quantified physical therapy actions were correlated to evaluate associations between intervention and developmental outcome components. RESULTS: The trial revealed that developmental outcome in both groups was largely identical. Process evaluation showed that typical COPCA actions-(1) family involvement and educational actions, (2) application of a wide variation in challenging the infant to produce motor behavior by himself or herself and allowing the infant to continue this activity, and (3) stimulation of motor behavior at the limit of the infant's capabilities-had positive correlations with developmental outcome at 18 months CA. The use of handling techniques was negatively associated with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory outcome at 18 months CA. LIMITATIONS: Major limitations were the limited size of the groups studied and the differences between the groups in frequency and duration of physical therapy sessions. CONCLUSION: Extending the randomized trial with process evaluation was needed to obtain insight into associations between the components of intervention and developmental outcome. Specific therapist behaviors of parent coaching are associated with improved developmental outcome measures. Further studies are needed to examine whether these associations are caused by therapist behavior or whether therapist behavior is modified by children's motor skills.

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BACKGROUND: Evidence for effectiveness of pediatric physical therapy in infants at high risk for developmental motor disorders is limited. Therefore, "Coping With and Caring for Infants With Special Needs" (COPCA), a family-centered, early intervention program, was developed. The COPCA program is based on 2 components: (1) family involvement and educational parenting and (2) the neuromotor principles of the neuronal group selection theory. The COPCA coach uses principles of coaching to encourage the family's own capacities for solving problems of daily care and incorporating variation, along with trial and error in daily activities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the content of sessions of the home-based, early intervention COPCA program differs from that of traditional infant physical therapy (TIP) sessions, which in the Netherlands are largely based on neurodevelopmental treatment. SETTING: The study was conducted at the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands. DESIGN: A quantitative video analysis of therapy sessions was conducted with infants participating in a 2-arm randomized trial. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Forty-six infants at high risk for developmental motor disorders were randomly assigned to receive COPCA (n=21) or TIP (n=25) between 3 and 6 months corrected age. Intervention sessions were videotaped at 4 and 6 months corrected age and analyzed with a standardized observation protocol for the classification of physical therapy actions. Outcome parameters were relative amounts of time spent on specific physical therapy actions. RESULTS: The content of COPCA and TIP differed substantially. For instance, in TIP sessions, more time was spent on facilitation techniques, including handling, than in COPCA sessions (29% versus 3%, respectively). During COPCA, more time was spent on family coaching and education than during TIP (16% versus 4%, respectively). LIMITATIONS: The major limitation of the study was its restriction to the Netherlands, implying that findings cannot be generalized automatically to other countries. CONCLUSION: The COPCA program differs broadly from TIP as applied in the Netherlands. Studies on the effectiveness of this family-centered program are needed.

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AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of intervention in infants at risk of developmental disorders on motor outcome, as measured by the Infant Motor Profile (IMP) and using the combined approach of a randomized controlled trial and process evaluation. METHOD: At a corrected age of 3 months, 46 infants (20 males, 26 females) recruited from the neonatal intensive care unit at the University Medical Centre Groningen (median birthweight 1210 g, range 585-4750 g; median gestational age 30 wks, range 25-40 wks) were included on the basis of definitely abnormal general movements. Exclusion criteria were severe congenital disorders and insufficient understanding of the Dutch language. The infants were assigned to either the family-centred COPing with and CAring for Infants with Special Needs (COPCA) intervention group (n=21; 9 males, 12 females) or the traditional infant physiotherapy (TIP) intervention group (n=25; 11 males, 14 females) for a period of 3 months. Three infants assigned to the TIP group (one male, two females) did not receive physiotherapy. IMP scores were measured by blinded assessors at 3, 4, 5, 6, and 18 months. At each age, the infants were neurologically examined. Physiotherapeutic sessions at 4 and 6 months were videotaped. Quantified physiotherapeutic actions were correlated with IMP scores at 6 and 18 months. RESULTS: The IMP scores of both the COPCA and TIP groups before, during, and after the intervention did not differ. Some physiotherapeutic actions were associated with IMP outcomes; the associations differed for infants who developed cerebral palsy (n=10) and those who did not (n=33). INTERPRETATION: At randomized controlled trial level, the scores of both the TIP and COPCA groups did not differ in effect on motor outcome, as measured with the IMP. The analysis of physiotherapeutic actions revealed associations between these actions and IMP outcomes. However, the small sample size of this study precludes pertinent conclusions.

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BACKGROUND: It is widely accepted that infants at risk for cerebral palsy need paediatric physiotherapy. However, there is little evidence for the efficacy of physiotherapeutic intervention. Recently, a new intervention program, COPCA (Coping with and Caring for infants with special needs - a family centered program), was developed. COPCA has educational and motor goals. A previous study indicated that the COPCA-approach is associated with better developmental outcomes for infants at high risk for developmental disorders. LEARN 2 MOVE 0-2 years evaluates the efficacy and the working mechanisms of the COPCA program in infants at very high risk for cerebral palsy in comparison to the efficacy of traditional infant physiotherapy in a randomized controlled trial. The objective is to evaluate the effects of both intervention programs on motor, cognitive and daily functioning of the child and the family and to get insight in the working elements of early intervention methods. METHODS/DESIGN: Infants are included at the corrected age of 1 to 9 months and randomized into a group receiving COPCA and a group receiving traditional infant physiotherapy. Both interventions are given once a week during one year. Measurements are performed at baseline, during and after the intervention period and at the corrected age of 21 months. Primary outcome of the study is the Infant Motor Profile, a qualitative evaluation instrument of motor behaviour in infancy. Secondary measurements focus on activities and participation, body functions and structures, family functioning, quality of life and working mechanisms. To cope with the heterogeneity in physiotherapy, physiotherapeutic sessions are video-recorded three times (baseline, after 6 months and at the end of the intervention period). Physiotherapeutic actions will be quantified and related to outcome. DISCUSSION: LEARN 2 MOVE 0-2 years evaluates and explores the effects of COPCA and TIP. Whatever the outcome of the project, it will improve our understanding of early intervention in children with cerebral palsy. Such knowledge is a prerequisite for tailor-made guidance of children with CP and their families. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered under NTR1428.

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PURPOSE: The study aim was to describe and quantify physical therapy interventions for infants at high risk for developmental disorders. METHODS: An observation protocol was developed based on knowledge about infant physical therapy and analysis of directly observable physiotherapeutic (PT) actions. The protocol's psychometric quality was assessed. Videos of 42 infant physical therapy sessions at 4 or 6 months of corrected age were analyzed. RESULTS: The observation protocol classified PT actions into 8 mutually exclusive categories. Virtually all PT actions during treatment could be classified. Inter- and intrarater agreements were satisfactory (intraclass correlations, 0.68-1.00). Approximately 40% of treatment time was spent challenging the infant to produce motor behavior by themselves, whereas approximately 30% of time facilitation techniques were applied. Tradition-based sessions could be differentiated from function-oriented ones. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to document PT actions during physical therapy treatment of infants at high risk for cerebral palsy in a systematic, standardized, and reliable way.

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The basic level of postural control is functionally active from early infancy onwards: young infants possess a repertoire of direction-specific postural adjustments. Whether or not direction-specific adjustments are used depends on the child's age and the nature of the postural task. The second level of control emerges after 3 months: children start to develop the capacity to adapt postural activity to environmental constraints. But the adult form of postural adaptation first emerges after adolescence. Children with cerebral palsy (CP) in general have the ability to generate direction-specific adjustments, but they show a delayed development in the capacity to recruit direction-specific adjustments in tasks with a mild postural challenge. Children with CP virtually always have difficulties in the adaptation of direction-specific activity. The limited data available on the effect of intervention on postural development suggest that intervention involving active trial and error experience may accelerate postural development in typically developing infants and may improve postural control in children with or at high risk for a developmental motor disorder.

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This study evaluated the effect of specific postural support on motor behaviour of infants with and without minor neurological dysfunction (MND). The following questions were addressed: (1) Does application of supportive pillows affect the time during which the infant exhibits general movements (GMs) or specific movements? We defined specific movements as movements of specific parts of the body that occur in a specific, recognizable way. (2) Does application of pillows improve the quality of GMs or the repertoire of specific movements? (3) Is a pillow effect affected by neurological condition? Forty healthy, term infants (16 males, 24 females; mean age 3.04 m [SD 1.24 mo], range 1-5 mo) participated in the study. Twenty were neurologically normal and 20 had MND. Spontaneous motor behaviour in a supine position was video-recorded for 180 seconds in four conditions applied in random order: support by a pillow in (1) the shoulder region, (2) the pelvic region, (3) the shoulder and pelvic region, or (4) no pillow support. Two independent assessors evaluated the quality of GMs. The other movement parameters were assessed with a computer program. Duration of movements was determined and a variation index, consisting of the number of different specific movements in a condition, was calculated. The presence of pillows did not affect the time spent in GMs, specific movements, or GM quality in either group. In neurologically normal infants the shoulder pillow with or without pelvic pillow induced an increase in the variation index (p<0.01), whereas in the infants with MND, all pillow conditions resulted in a substantial increase of the movement repertoire (p<0.001). Our results demonstrate that specific postural support promotes variation in motor behaviour of young infants. This is particularly true for infants with MND.

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