Little Movers: Promoting Motor Development in Early Childhood Through Educational and Therapeutic Interventions
Little Movers: Promoting Motor Development in Early Childhood Through Educational and Therapeutic Interventions
The "Little Movers" study promotes healthy motor development in early childhood by providing education to caregivers and professionals in the child's environment and by implementing early detection strategies for motor delays.
The primary prevention component includes structured educational workshops designed for three age groups: 0-12 months, 13-24 months, and 25-36 months. These workshops focus on typical motor milestones, the importance of active play, early stimulation strategies, and how to recognize early warning signs of motor development delays. Participation impact will be measured using pre- and post-workshop surveys and semi-structured interviews with parents, caregivers, and educators.
The secondary and tertiary prevention component consists of a longitudinal observational study that follows infants aged 0 to 12 months. Motor development will be assessed using validated tools, including the Standardized Infant Hand Assessment (s-HAI), the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), the Infant Motor Profile (IMP), and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). Infants with typical development will be reassessed annually, while those at risk or showing signs of motor delay will be monitored monthly. The goal is to detect motor delays as early as possible to allow timely referral and intervention.
Inclusion Criteria (Workshops):
Legal guardians or primary caregivers of children aged 0 to 36 months enrolled in the participating daycare center. Early childhood educators working with children aged 0 to 36 months in the same center.
Inclusion Criteria (Observational Study):
Infants aged 0 to 12 months enrolled in the participating daycare center. Infants must not have a diagnosed neuromotor or neurological condition at the time of enrollment. Written informed consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
Exclusion Criteria:
Children with diagnosed neurological or genetic conditions affecting motor development. Families or educators who decline participation or do not provide informed consent. Children or families not enrolled in the participating daycare center.