Preterm infants are at increased risk for developmental delays, making early intervention essential for optimizing developmental outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Homeostasis-Enrichment-Plasticity (HEP®) approach delivered via telerehabilitation in preterm infants at risk for developmental delay.
Eligible preterm infants will be randomly assigned to either the HEP® telerehabilitation group or the control group receiving usual care. The intervention will be delivered over 12 weeks through weekly online sessions combined with parent coaching and individualized home-based activities.
The study will evaluate the effects of the intervention on infant development, sensory functions, goal attainment, and parental well-being. The findings may provide evidence for the use of family-centered telerehabilitation as an early intervention strategy for preterm infants at developmental risk.
Inclusion Criteria
Corrected age 4-12 months. Born at or before 36 weeks and 6 days of gestation. Parents willing to participate regularly and provide informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
Major visual or hearing impairment. Genetic syndrome or congenital anomaly. Medical conditions preventing active participation (e.g., oxygen dependency). Participation in another experimental rehabilitation study during the study period.
Participants are randomly assigned to the intervention or control group and are not informed of their group allocation. Outcome assessments are conducted by an independent assessor who is blinded to group assignment. Due to the nature of the intervention, the care provider delivering the intervention is not blinded.
Participants receive the Homeostasis-Enrichment-Plasticity (HEP®) early intervention program delivered via telerehabilitation for 12 weeks through individualized parent coaching and home-based activities.
Participants receive usual care during the 12-week study period.
Istanbul, Istanbul 34810, Turkey (Türkiye)
HEP® Tele-Rehabilitation for Preterm Infants at Developmental Risk: A Feasibility Study
HEP Tele-Rehabilitation for Preterm Infants at Developmental Risk: A Feasibility Study
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