RESUMO
PURPOSE: This study was used 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. Infants who received a dynamic co-activation trunk protocol were compared with a control group who received a parent-infant interaction and play protocol. METHOD: A repeated measures randomized block design was used. A masked reliable examiner assessed infants before, immediately after, and 3 weeks after intervention using the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM). RESULTS: The NDT-based protocol group made significantly (P = 0.048) more progress than the control group from pretest to posttest. CONCLUSIONS: Cautious support was found for (1) sequenced, dynamic trunk co-activation intervention compared to generalized infant play; (2) high-frequency, short-term, task-specific intervention; and (3) direct service by NDT-trained pediatric therapists specializing in infant intervention.
