Kailey Snyder

Postural control strategies differ in normal weight and overweight infants

BACKGROUND Evidence suggests obesity can have a negative influence on a childs motor development and postural control behavior. Little research has examined the impact of infant weight on gross motor behavior, particularly postural control at the onset of sitting. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether normal weight and overweight infants differed in their postural control strategies at the onset of sitting and one-month post onset of sitting. METHODS 29 infants (n=19 normal weight, n=10 overweight) were recruited to participate in this study. Infants length and weight were measured at 3 months of age (visit 1). Infants center of pressure (COP) was measured on an AMTI force platform at the onset of sitting (visit 2) and one-month post onset (visit 3). Data were analyzed using linear measures (range and RMS for the anterior/posterior (AP) and medial/lateral (ML) directions, sway path) and nonlinear measures (Sample Entropy in AP and ML directions). RESULTS Overweight infants had significantly greater RMS values in the ML direction at visit 2 and reduced Sway Path values in comparison to normal weight infants at visits 2 and 3. Further, there was a significant difference in Sample Entropy as overweight infants increased Sample Entropy from visit 2 to 3 while normal weight infants decreased Sample Entropy values during this time period. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that overweight infants adopt a different postural control strategy. This altered strategy may limit exploration early in development. More research is needed to determine if longitudinal differences continue to emerge.

Mental and Physical Support (MAPS) for Moms: Preliminary Findings from a Prenatal Health Support Program

Background The low incidence of exercise during pregnancy and the high rates of prenatal depression indicate more opportunities are needed for mothers to engage in exercise and obtain health-related support and education. MAPS (mental & physical support) was developed to support mothers’ psychological and physical health during pregnancy. MAPS consisted of physical activity classes 2×/week followed by either a speaker or group discussion regarding a parenting or health-related topic. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if the format was feasible prior to developing a main scale randomized trial. Methods Program measurements included a pre/post survey, post-program focus group, attendance logs and scales for exercise, self-efficacy, and social support. Results Findings indicated the program format is well-received by participants; however, issues in attendance warrant program format alterations. Further, larger scale studies and the addition of a control group are needed. Conclusion This format offers practitioners an effective strategy for supporting pregnant womens physical and psychological health.

What Gets Them Moving? College Students’ Motivation for Exercise: An Exploratory Study

This exploratory study applied constructs of self-determination theory to assess college students exercise motivation and to determine the influence on exercise within active college students. Students included 24 college students (12 normal weight, 12 overweight) currently meeting national exercise recommendations. Surveys and semistructured interviews were used to assess exercise motivation. Descriptive statistics and MANOVA were used to analyze survey results. Horizontalization was used to analyze interview responses. It was found that the majority of students were extrinsically motivated for exercise regardless of BMI or gender. Identified regulation was found to be the most common form of motivation. Extrinsic motivation may be a key determinant for increasing exercise and enhancing utilization of campus recreation facilities among undergraduate students. Future efforts should consider the inclusion of extrinsic motivation (e.g., to look good, improve health) in communication strategies and program development.

Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development-Infant Scale, Spanish Translation

ABSTRACT The home environment has a critical influence on an infant’s development and well-being. The Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development-Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) is an instrument that has been developed to assess the home environment. This article illustrates the translation, validation, and cultural adaptation process of the AHEMD-IS from English to Spanish. The AHEMD-IS underwent a comprehensive process involving a four-phase translation process: (1) Forward translation, (2) Semantic equivalence, (3) Content equivalence testing, and (4) Final version development. Steps 1 and 2 resulted in linguistic alterations from the initial translation to enhance clarity for general public understanding. In step 3, mothers reported that the instrument was clear and easy to complete. Step 4 involved a final review of the instrument. The final outcome is a validated instrument that may prove beneficial when evaluating the home environment with Spanish-speaking populations, particularly those of Mexican descent.

An Exploratory Study of Infant Physical Activity in Relation to Obesity: 3600 Board #39 June 4, 8: 00 AM - 9: 30 AM.

Summary and Conclusion METHODS INTRODUCTION Physical Activity and Health Promotion Lab Approximately 10% of infants and toddlers in the U.S. are already overweight. The first year of a child’s life can make a significant impact on his/her long-term health, as rapid increases in weight during the first 6 months have been associated with increased risk for obesity at age 3. One modifiable factor that may impact weight is physical activity (PA). Historically, society has thought that infants (0-1 year of age) are “active enough” and not in need of efforts to promote PA to expend energy. However, increases in technology have led to less PA in children of all ages. Specifically in infants, 40% of 3-month olds regularly watch TV or videos and may spend up to 60 hours a week in restrictive devices such as high chairs or car seats limiting their ability to be active. There is a vital need to understand the amount of PA that contributes to healthy development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the level of PA in normal weight and overweight infants. • Participants were part of a pilot study examining infant PA and postural control in normal weight (n=21) and overweight (n=9) infants. • Data were collected at 3 time points: 3 months of age, the onset of sitting (~5 months), and one month post onset of sitting (~6 months). • Weight and length were measured by trained researchers using standardized procedures. Infants with a weight-for-length z90th percentile at visit 1 were classified as overweight. • Average weight-for-length z-score for normal weight infants was 50.6 ± 25.0 • Average weight-for-length z-score for normal weight infants was 97.4 ± 2.1 • Infants wore Actigraph GT9X Link accelerometers for four days (2 weekdays, 2 weekend days) on the left wrist and ankle. • Parents completed a time activity diary to document infant activitylevel (sleeping, eating, quiet/active play), child’s location (e.g., home, daycare), time spent in restrictive devices (e.g., car seat, wrap), and caregiver interaction for each hour throughout the day. • A majority of infants were male, (73.3%), white (79.3%), and breastfed %). • Vector magnitude count (VMC) values were used as a PA indicator • Statistical analyses were performed using two factor repeated measures (group x time) ANOVA between normal weight and overweight/obese infant. Although there appeared to be a reduction in PA from visit 2 to visit 3 and differences in PA at visit 3 between normal weight and overweight infants, these findings were not significant. Future research is needed to examine if significant differences are found during the attainment of other motor milestones (e.g., standing, walking). Additionally due to the importance of PA for motor skill development in childhood, future efforts are needed to validate objective measures of PA in infants in order to identify infants who may be at risk for development delays. Future research could also examine differences between breastfed and formula fed infants as research suggests formula fed infants may be at an increased risk for motor development delays. Acknowledgement: This study was funded as a pilot project under a COBRE grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health through the Centers of Biomedical Excellence. Award number: P20GM109090 RESULTS • Combined average VMCs for normal weight infants were: 1st visit=5486574, 2nd visit=5726418, 3rd visit=5432360. • Combined average VMCs for overweight infants were: 1st visit=5628067, 2nd visit=5743573, 3rd visit=5103728. • There was no significant main effects of weight (F(1, 28)=.004, p=.948) and time (F(2,28)=.271, p=.765) and no significant interaction (F(2,28)=.413, p=.665) was found between group x time. 4600000 4800000 5000000 5200000 5400000 5600000 5800000 Visit 1 Visit 2 Visit 3 Normal Weight Overweight Photo Credit: Ryan Henrikson Table 1. Average Daily VMCs