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Neuropediatrics 1988; 19(2): 96-100
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1052409
Original articles

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Influence of Head Position and Head Position-Change on Body Posture in Pre-Term Infants (A.T.N.R.)

J. S. H. Vles1 , R.  van Oostenbrugge1 , H.  Kingma2 , H.  Caberg3 , P.  Casaer4
  • 1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Maastricht, University of Limburg, P.O. Box 1918, 6201 BX Maastricht, The Netherlands
  • 2Department of ENT, University Hospital of Maastricht, University of Limburg, P.O. Box 1918, 6201 BX Maastricht, The Netherlands
  • 3Department of Neurophysiology, University Hospital of Maastricht, University of Limburg, P.O. Box 1918, 6201 BX Maastricht, The Netherlands
  • 4Department of Pediatrics, Ziekenhuis Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Although body posture in pre-term infants is generally studied to describe developmental aspects, no consensus exists in literature about the influence of head position and head position change upon body posture in pre-term infants. In a weekly assessed longitudinal study of 15 healthy pre-term infants we extensively observed and analysed the flexion and extension patterns of the limbs in relation to a "spontaneous" head position turning from 32 to 36 weeks of conceptional age. A significant flexion/extension pattern was only observed with respect to the leg: turning of the head induced extension of the chin leg and flexion of the other leg. This pattern persisted during the total 3 hours observation sessions, occurred at every age and in all states, but rapidly disappeared within maximal 20 seconds after the head-turning. No consequent significant pattern was observed with respect to the other limbs or the various other combinations of limb posture changes analysed. An Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex was seen after only 3 percent of the head position changes.

Key words

Head position - Body posture - A.T.N.R.

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