Understanding how early experiences affect language development in preterm infants
Official title: Predictive Factors in Language Development Trajectories Over the First 3 Years of Life: Harnessing an Existing Preterm Cohort
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-10988973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the sounds and conversations around very premature babies, born between 24-30 weeks, affect their ability to learn language during their first three years, so we can better understand how to support their growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $420,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD115152-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10988973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are very low birth weight preterm infants born at 24-30 weeks gestation and their families.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preterm or who do not fall within the very low birth weight category may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors influencing language development in very low birth weight preterm infants during their first three years of life. By examining a cohort of infants born between 24-30 weeks gestation, the study focuses on how their auditory environment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and parent-child communication patterns impact their language acquisition. The researchers will analyze health and demographic factors alongside initial language development trajectories to identify predictors of language outcomes. This approach aims to provide insights into the critical early stages of language development in a vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting language development in preterm infants, potentially reducing the risk of speech and language delays.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that early interventions in language exposure can positively influence language outcomes in at-risk populations, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hay, Jessica S — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Hay, Jessica S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.