Arndt, S.W., Chandler, L.S., Sweeney, J.K., Sharkey, M.A., McElroy, J.J
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT)-based sequenced trunk activation protocol for change in gross motor function of infants aged 4 to 12 months with posture and movement dysfunction. The researchers compared infants who received a dynamic co-activation trunk protocol with a control group who received a parent-infant interaction and play protocol using a repeated measures randomized block design. A masked reliable examiner assessed infants before, immediately after, and 3 weeks after intervention using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM).
The NDT-based protocol group made significantly (P = 0.048) more progress than the control group from pretest to posttest. In conclusin, cautious support was found for sequenced, dynamic trunk co-activation intervention compared to generalized infant play; high-frequency, short-term, task-specific intervention; and direct service by NDT-trained pediatric therapists specializing in infant intervention.
Pediatic Physical Therapy 2008 20(1):11-22