Evi writes:

" In the  last trimester of pregnancy, mothers transfer large amounts of 
calcium and  phosphorus to the rapidly growing baby. It is also the time when 
babies  exercise acquire muscle and strengthen bones in the womb. And when a child 
is  born early, its physical activity is limited in the incubator. All of 
these  factors contribute to OPP. 
The researchers have shown that gentle  exercises performed five times a day 
on the wrist, elbow, shoulder, ankle,  knee, and hip joints (approximately 10 
minutes for each session), and  administered five times per week for four 
weeks, improved bone strength in  preemies as measured using bone ultrasound. 
Daily interactive periods of  holding and stroking the infant also influences bone 
growth and development,  they conclude. ...Mechanical strain is known to be a 
powerful stimulator of  bone formation and growth."
This is very interesting and I admit I am quibbling a little, but the  
wording is a tad misleading. I think there is a profound difference between  
exercising ( the baby moves, and responds to stroking and holding,) and being  
exercised, in which something passive is "administered" to the baby.  Administering 
exercises would be good for preventing some tightness and  asymmetries, but it 
is really the taking the baby out of the incubator and  allowing/encouraging 
baby-initiated, or at least baby-responsive movements,  especially those that 
occur when being held and stroked that strengthen the  bones. Here I think 
baby-led and mother-sped also are the key. Later they use  the word " 
interactive" which sounds quite different than a treatment that is  "administered". As I 
said, quibbling perhaps, but I think the wording is  important.
 
Peace,
Judy

 



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