Reaching training using sticky mittens as an early intervention protocol for an infant under environmental risk for motor delay: single-case research

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Low socioeconomic status (low-SES) is an important environmental risk factor for developmental delay in infants. Access to affordable early intervention strategies may be limited for this population.As it is a low cost and easily reproducible intervention, reaching training using sticky mittens as a facilitator can be easily conducted by parents at home or in clinics, improving manual ability and exploration, and thus helping to avoid possible motor delays in infants from low-SES families.

AIM:To investigate the effects of reaching training using sticky mittens on manual reach and gross motor development of a 3 month-old full-term infant with low-SES.

METHOD:The training using sticky mittens occurred on 5 consecutive days, for 20 minutes per day.A total of 6 assessments were performed to measure: the number of reaches, proximal and distal adjustments (Kinovea), gross motor development (AIMS), and quality/quantity of affordances at home (AHEMD-IS).

RESULTS:After the training protocol, improved reaching ability was observed, with an increase in the number of reaches and bimanual adjustments, with hands open and verticalized. No improvements in other gross motor skills were observed.

CONCLUSION:Reaching training using sticky mittens seems to be a potential and affordable early intervention strategy for infants from low-SES families at risk for motor delay.