Influence of Cognition on the Motor Skills of Preterm Infants

Background: According to WHO preterm is defined as babies who were delivered prior to the completion of 37 weeks which accounts for 23.6% of worlds birth. The neuro developmental growth of preterm infants constitutes 88.8% of cognitive disability and 84.4% of motor disability. To understand an infant, motor aspects together with cognition should be considered and emerging trends should focus on these priorities. If not focused the brain will go for “use it or lose it” principle. Relationship between cognitive and motor skills ranges from weak to strong in different age groups but still the extensibility of the relationship is not established.

Aim: To study the influence of cognition on the motor skills of preterm infants.

Methodology: Preterm infants around 4 months of age of both genders who come under inclusion criteria were taken to the study. Prior informed consent was obtained from the parents. Infants were screened using Bayleys scale of infant development for cognition and motor skills.

Results: The analysis of this study concludes that cognition and motor skills are affected in pre term infants.

Conclusion: So the cognition and motor skills goes hand in hand majority of the times and cognition is influencing the motor skills of preterm infants. Addressing the cognitive exercises and imparting the same to the infants will help to provide basic knowledge of the exercises and provide a better platform to work on the outcomes through rehabilitation.