12주간 보이타 복합운동이 학령기 전 미숙아의 운동발달에 미치는 영향

Effects of Vojta Combined Exercise for 12 Weeks on Gross Motor Ability in Premature Preschoolers

[PURPOSE] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Vojta combined exercise program on improvements in motor development, physical activity, and trunk muscle activity in premature children who were born without neurologic abnormality, but have delayed motor development. [METHODS] Three children aged between 59 and 79 months participated in this study. They were born prematurely without neurological abnormality, but currently have delayed motor development. Vojta combined exercise program consisted of Vojta exercise and aerobic exercise by using a video game. All participants performed exercise 50 min/day, 3 days/week at 11-13 RPE intensity for 12 weeks. Test of gross motor development(TGMD) and physical activity volume was measured by pedometer. Trunk muscle activity was measured by surface electromyogram (sEMG) at median frequency. [RESULTS] After 12 weeks of Vojta combined exercise, all subjects increased gross motor skills. Physical activities were also increased in all subjects. There were no overall increases in trunk muscle activities, but differences between right and left were decreased. [CONCLUSIONS] These results indicate that Vojta combined exercise is an effective treatment for premature children born without neurologic abnormality, but with delayed motor development. It seems that Vojta combined exercise may be applied to other children with delayed motor development.