Clinical trial Recruiting at 3 sites Interventional Ages 22 Weeks to 32 Weeks

Movement imitation therapy for preterm infants

Official title: The Effect of the Movement Imitation Therapy for Preterm Babies (MIT-PB) on Motor Behavior Quality. Quasi-experimental Design.

Run by Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta · NCT05319158 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a special movement therapy that parents can do with their preterm infants helps improve their motor skills compared to standard care.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages22 Weeks to 32 Weeks
SexAll
Enrollment36 (estimated)
SponsorInstitut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta
Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Barcelona, Barcelona and 2 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 4, 2022
Main results expectedMarch 31, 2026
Study endsMarch 31, 2027
Registry record updatedDecember 10, 2024
Trial IDNCT05319158 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are preterm infants born before 32 weeks gestational age and weighing less than 1500g who exhibit abnormal general movements.

Probably not a fit

Patients with congenital abnormalities, genetic disorders, or normal general movements at the assessment will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of a parent-administered movement imitation therapy program on the motor behavior quality of preterm infants with abnormal general movements. The intervention will be conducted in neonatal intensive care and at home during the first months of life. Preterm infants born before 32 weeks gestational age and/or weighing less than 1500g will be included, and their progress will be assessed using standardized tests at various developmental milestones. The study aims to compare outcomes between infants receiving the therapy and those receiving standard care.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could improve motor development outcomes in preterm infants.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using similar therapeutic approaches for improving outcomes in preterm infants.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Preterm infants born before 32w GA and less than 1500g weight.
* Infants who show Abnormal General Movements (CS-PR pattern) at 34-36w postmenstrual age (PMA).
* Families able to understand/speak Catalan, Spanish or English.
* Families willing to participate who have the informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Infants with congenital abnormalities and/or genetic disorders
* Infants with invasive ventilation or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) at 36 weeks PMA.
* Infants with Normal General Movements at 34-36 w PMA.
* Families not willing to participate.

Where it's running

  • Hospital Sant Joan de Déu
    Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
    Recruiting
  • Hospital Parc Taulí de Sabadell
    Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
    Recruiting
  • Hospital Universitari Josep Trueta de Girona
    Girona, Girona, Spain
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Susana Trallero, MsC — International University of Catalonia
  • Study coordinator: Susana Trallero, MsC
  • Email: sue.trallero@gmail.com
  • Phone: 34 + 675255810

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.