Effects of Early Physiotherapy on Motor Optimality Score in At-Risk of Infants

The physiotherapy program provided upon discharge will consist of family education programs that include parental contact and therapeutic holding, carrying, positioning, and sucking facilitation to stimulate postural responses. The physiotherapist will provide training to integrate these programs into daily routines. The physiotherapy group will receive a routine-based family collaborative early intervention program. This program will consist of family education programs based on a goal-oriented model of active motor learning and sensory strategy development for the baby in an enriched environment, incorporating holding, carrying, and positioning into daily routines. If possible, the entire family will participate in these programs.

The control group will be shown one-time positioning and holding and carrying principles in addition to routine developmental NICU care at the time of discharge.