Some evidence suggests that physical activity programs might promote short-term weight gain and bone mineralization in preterm infants .
Current evidence does not support the routine use of physical activity programs in preterm infants .
BACKGROUND Lack of physical stimulation may contribute to metabolic bone disease of preterm infants , result ing in poor bone mineralization and growth .
Physical activity programs combined with adequate nutrition might help to promote bone mineralization and growth .
OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to assess whether physical activity programs in preterm infants  improve bone mineralization and growth and reduce the risk of fracture .
Subgroup analysis : • Given that the smallest infants are most vulnerable for developing osteopenia ( Bishop 1999 ) , a subgroup analysis was planned for infants with birth weight < 1000 g.•  Calcium and phosphorus intake may affect an infant 's ability to increase bone mineral content ( Kuschel 2004 ) .
Maternal-administered physical activity enhances bone mineral acquisition in premature very low birth weight infants
Objective : To determine if physical activity delivered by an infant 's mother would be as effective in promoting bone mineral acquisition in preterm very low birth weight ( VLBW ) infants as the same intervention administered by a trained therapist . Patients and methods : Preterm VLBW infants were r and omized to receive daily physical activity administered by the infant 's mother  ( MOM , n=11 ) or a trained therapist ( OT , n=11 ) , or control ( n=11 ) . Physical activity consisted of range of motion movements against passive resistance to all extremities for 5 to 10 min daily . All infants were fed mother 's milk with fortification to 24 kcal oz−1 . Dual energy x-ray of the forearm bone area ( BA , cm2 ) , mineral content ( BMC , g ) , and density ( BMD , g/cm2 ) and measurement of bone formation ( bone-specific alkaline phosphatase , BAP ) and resorption ( urine pyridinium crosslinks of collagen , Pyd ) were obtained at study entry and at 2.0 kg of body weight . Result : Forearm BA and BMC gains were greater in MOM and OT infants compared to the control infants despite similar postnatal growth rate and nutrient intake . Serum BAP levels decreased in controls but remained unchanged in MOM and OT infants . Urine Pyd levels were similar at baseline to 2.0 kg for all groups . These findings suggest greater bone growth and mineral acquisition in MOM and OT infants than control infants . Conclusion : This study demonstrates that a physical activity program administered by the infant 's own mother is as equally effective as therapist-administered physical activity in promoting greater bone growth and mineral acquisition in preterm VLBW infants
Some evidence suggests that physical activity programs might promote short-term weight gain and bone mineralization in preterm infants .
Current evidence does not support the routine use of physical activity programs in preterm infants .
BACKGROUND Lack of physical stimulation may contribute to metabolic bone disease of preterm infants , result ing in poor bone mineralization and growth .
Physical activity programs combined with adequate nutrition might help to promote bone mineralization and growth .
OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to assess whether physical activity programs in preterm infants  improve bone mineralization and growth and reduce the risk of fracture .
Subgroup analysis : • Given that the smallest infants are most vulnerable for developing osteopenia ( Bishop 1999 ) , a subgroup analysis was planned for infants with birth weight < 1000 g.•  Calcium and phosphorus intake may affect an infant 's ability to increase bone mineral content ( Kuschel 2004 ) .