Understanding prematurity and early motor development
Premature birth—defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestational age—affects millions of infants worldwide and poses unique challenges for early motor development. Incomplete intrauterine maturation often leads to differences in muscle strength, coordination, and sensory processing. As clinicians and researchers seek to optimize outcomes, questions arise about how experiences in the first months of life, including opportunities to engage in standing and walking-like activities, influence how prematurely born infants explore their surroundings.
The study focus: walking experience and locomotor exploration
Emerging research suggests that the amount and quality of walking experience can shape locomotor exploration in infants. In a comparative cross-sectional design, researchers examine groups of prematurely born infants with varying levels of walking experience alongside full-term peers. The goal is to determine whether formal or spontaneous stepping opportunities—supported standing, cruising, and early walking practice—are linked to broader, more varied exploration of the environment.
Key findings: walking experience correlates with exploration
Across study groups, infants with greater walking experience tended to show more robust locomotor exploration. This includes a wider range of movement patterns, increased distance covered during unscripted play, and more frequent problem-solving behaviors when faced with safe, age-appropriate challenges. The findings align with developmental theories that propose motor experience acts as a catalyst for perceptual-motor coupling—an essential mechanism by which infants learn to anticipate, plan, and execute movements in dynamic environments.
Implications for caregivers and clinicians
For premature infants, early and appropriate walking experiences may help bridge gaps in motor development. Clinicians can support families by offering guidance on safe, progressional activities that encourage upright exposure and step-like movements in a controlled setting. Interventions might include structured floor-time with supported standing devices, supervised stepping practice, and adaptive play that encourages locomotion while ensuring sensory comfort and safety.
Parents and caregivers should collaborate with pediatric physical therapists to identify optimal milestones, monitor progress, and adjust activities as the child grows. The goal is to promote exploration without overstimulation, balancing sensory input with motor challenge to sustain engagement and motivation.
Clinical and research considerations
While the association between walking experience and locomotor exploration is promising, researchers caution that cross-sectional data cannot establish causality. Longitudinal studies are needed to track how early walking opportunities influence sustained motor trajectories into toddlerhood. Additionally, considerations such as neonatal medical history, sensory processing differences, and family environment must be accounted for when interpreting results.
Practical recommendations
- Provide age-appropriate standing and stepping opportunities in a safe, supervised environment.
- Incorporate varied terrains and textures to encourage adaptive locomotion without overwhelming the infant.
- Engage caregivers in daily routines that promote upright exploration, such as supported cruising along furniture or play stations.
- Seek guidance from pediatric physical therapists to tailor activities to each child’s needs and developmental stage.
Closing thoughts
Walking experience appears to play a meaningful role in how prematurely born infants explore their world. By prioritizing safe, enjoyable, and progression-appropriate locomotor activities, caregivers and clinicians can support more comprehensive motor exploration and potentially smoother developmental trajectories for infants born early.
