Purpose: No previous study examined trunk control development in preterm infants. The present study examined the longitudinal development of segmental trunk control from 4 to 12 months of (corrected) age in preterm infants in comparison with full-term infants.Methods: Thirty-one preterm infants and 30 full-term infants were recruited. All infants were tested monthly using the Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale at 4, 8 and 12 months of age.Results: Segmental trunk control development was significantly delayed in the preterm infants. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between trunk control status and gross motor skills.Conclusion: This was first study showing that segmental trunk control development was significantly different in preterm infants. Segmental trunk control and gross motor performance were coupled in young infants. A dual focus on training upright trunk control and specific motor skills may maximise therapy outcomes for infants with motor delay.
Keywords: Infant; child development; motor skills; postural balance; premature.