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A Clinical Trial Based on Reward Contingency to Improve Prone Tolerance and Motor Development is Feasible in 3- to 6-Month-Old Infants

A Clinical Trial Based on Reward Contingency to Improve Prone Tolerance and Motor Development is Feasible in 3- to 6-Month-Old Infants

Authors :
Daniel L. Riddle
Peter E. Pidcoe
Yaoying Xu
Stacey C. Dusing
Tanya Tripathi
Mary S. Shall
Source :
Journal of Motor Learning and Development. 8:497-515
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
Human Kinetics, 2020.

Abstract

Aims: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “parents to incorporate supervised, awake ‘prone play’ in their infant’s routine to support motor development and minimize the risk of plagiocephaly”. The purpose of this feasibility study was to compare usual care to a reward contingency–based intervention, developed to increase prone tolerance and improve motor skills. Methods: Ten full-term infants, 3–6- months old, with poor prone tolerance were randomized to either the Education group or Reward contingency group. Each group participated in three parent education sessions and 15 intervention sessions, over the period of three weeks. Infants in the Reward contingency group used the Prone Play Activity Center, a technology developed to reinforce motor behavior of infants in prone position. Intervention frequency and parent feedback data determined the feasibility of the interventions. Results: Infants in the Reward contingency group practiced a median of 12 of the 15 anticipated intervention sessions in the Prone Play Activity Center. These infants used the device for a mean of 18 minutes per day. Parents of infants in the Education group practiced a median of 10 sessions of the 15 anticipated intervention sessions. Conclusion: The reward contingency–based intervention is feasible for use in a future clinical trial with some modifications.

Details

ISSN :
23253215 and 23253193
Volume :
8
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Motor Learning and Development
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........039d830bec4a44253639cb3326dcaea7
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1123/jmld.2019-0029