Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Dr. Michelle Mottola

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to explore the relationship between overweight infants and gross motor development at six months. A secondary purpose was to determine whether gross motor development varied according to sleep position. Eighteen mother-infant pairs participated. Motor development was assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). Sleeping position was determined by maternal report based on the position in which the infant awoke. At six months, overweight infants scored lower (worse) on the AIMS test than normal weight infants, even after controlling for sleep position. Infants who slept in the supine position scored lower on the AIMS test than those who slept in the prone position. Results suggest that infant gross motor development may be related to weight status at six months and to sleep positioning.

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