Fine Motor Development of Low Birth Weight Infants Corrected Aged 8 to 12 Months

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the fine motor development between Low Birth Weight (LBW) infants and Normal Birth Weight infants (NBW) at the age of 8-12 months by using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scale-2 (PDMS-2) . Methods: This was a non experimental and cross sectional study which was conducted on the 18 LBW infants and 14 normal infants. By referring to the profile of infants in NICU of Aliasghar Hospital, those with defined inclusion criteria was recognized (case group). The normal weight infants, randomly selected from Health Center of that hospital, matched with case group for date of birth. After completing the questionnaire about demographic variables, their gross motor development was assessed with PDMS-2. Finally the scores of the motor quotient were analyzed by independent t-test statistical method. Results: There was a significant difference between Fine motor quotient of groups (P=0.007). Discussion: This study showed that LBW infants are significantly lower than normal weight infants in attaining Fine motor skills. It means that the LBW infants are more prone to developmental difficulties.