Non-linear Analysis of Postural Function in Infants
Project Description:
The primary objective of this research is to increase our understanding of postural control by examining the development of sitting posture in infancy. The development of early posture control remains poorly understood despite considerable therapeutic effort. Infants with developmental problems show some of their first delays in the acquisition of sitting, with subsequent problems developing adequate posture and movement control. Identifying the delay, determining the nature of the problem, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment quickly is vital in the early part of an infant?s life, since this is the time of greatest plasticity. Methods from nonlinear dynamics, which are increasingly being used to examine biological rhythms, will be used in this study to analyze and quantify developing postural control from center of pressure (COP) data during sitting. We hypothesize that nonlinear tools will be sensitive enough to quantify the evolution of normal postural control over time in both typically developing infants and infants with benign congenital hypotonia. The proposed research will further our understanding of the development of early postural control and provide better methods for evaluating treatment aimed at improving postural control. This information will lay the groundwork for future studies into the efficacy of treatment for infants and children with disorders of posture and movement.
Keyword(s):
Biomechanics, Non-linear Analysis, Infants, Sitting
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
