Factors associated with gross motor development from birth to independent walking: A systematic review of longitudinal research

Authors Marike Boonzaaijer, Imke Suir, Jurgen Mollema, Jacqueline Nuysink, Michiel Volman, Marian J. Jongmans
Published in Child : health, care and development
Publication date 2020
Research groups Lifestyle and Health
Type Article

Summary

Aim The aim of this study is to gain more insight into child and environmental factors that influence gross motor development (GMD) of healthy infants from birth until reaching the milestone of independent walking, based on longitudinal research. Background A systematic search was conducted using Scopus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and CINAHL to identify studies from inception to February 2020. Studies that investigated the association between child or environmental factors and infant GMD using longitudinal measurements of infant GMD were eligible. Two independent reviewers extracted key information and assessed risk of bias of the selected studies, using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool (QUIPS). Strength of evidence (strong, moderate, limited, conflicting and no evidence) for the factors identified was described according to a previously established classification. Results In 36 studies, six children and 11 environmental factors were identified. Five studies were categorized as having low risk of bias. Strong evidence was found for the association between birthweight and GMD in healthy full-term and preterm infants. Moderate evidence was found for associations between gestational age and GMD, and sleeping position and GMD. There was conflicting evidence for associations between twinning and GMD, and breastfeeding and GMD. No evidence was found for an association between maternal postpartum depression and GMD. Evidence for the association of other factors with GMD was classified as ‘limited’ because each of these factors was examined in only one longitudinal study. Conclusion Infant GMD appears associated with two child factors (birthweight and gestational age) and one environmental factor (sleeping position). For the other factors identified in this review, insufficient evidence for an association with GMD was found. For those factors that were examined in only one longitudinal study, and are therefore classified as having limited evidence, more research would be needed to reach a conclusion.

On this publication contributed

Language English
Published in Child : health, care and development
Year and volume 47 4
Key words systematic review
Digital Object Identifier 10.1111/cch.12830
Page range 525-561

Marike Boonzaaijer

Marike Boonzaaijer

  • Lecturer-researcher
  • Research group: Lifestyle and Health