Movement imitation therapy for preterm infants

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

Not applicable Interventional Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta · NCT05319158

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages22 Weeks to 32 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorInstitut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Barcelona, Barcelona and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05319158 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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

Why it matters

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

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Barcelona, Barcelona and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Premature BirthRiskEarly Interventionneonatal therapygeneral movementshigh risk neurodevelopmentphysiotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.