A randomized-controlled trial of parent-administered interventions to improve short-term motor outcomes in hospitalized very low birthweight infants.

Background: Premature infants are at increased risk for cerebral palsy (CP). Early interventions with a motor focus and administered by parents may improve motor outcomes.

Aims: Secondary study evaluating the short-term motor outcomes and risk for CP in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants randomized to multimodal interventions with a motor focus provided by parents versus usual care.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial (intervention vs. usual care (control group)).

Subjects: Infants (<32 weeks' gestational age (GA) and/or <1500 grams birthweight) born between March 2019 and October 2020.

Outcome Measures: Short-term motor outcomes and risk for CP was evaluated using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Evaluation (HINE, primary motor outcome), the General Movement Assessment (GMA) and the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) at 3 months' postmenstrual age (PMA).

Results: 70 participants were enrolled (GA 28.3±2.7 weeks, birthweight 1139.2±376.6 grams, 64.3% male). The in-person follow-up rate was 73%, lower than expected, in part due to COVID-19 restrictions, resulting in 25 infants (intervention) and 26 infants (control) with outcome data available for analysis. There was not a significant difference in the HINE, GMA or TIMP at 3 months' PMA between groups.

Conclusion: Multimodal interventions with a motor focus and provided by parents need further investigation to determine if they can improve short-term motor outcomes in VLBW infants. These interventions are evidence-based and the evaluation of broader implementation into routine care is also needed.