Brain Activity During Reach-to-Grasp Tasks in Infants Aged 3 to 9 Months Comparing Full-Term and Preterm Infants Using fNIRS Imaging

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how infants develop the ability to reach and grasp objects, focusing on brain activity during this important motor skill development. The study includes 100 infants aged 3 to 9 months, comparing 50 full-term infants and 50 preterm infants born before 36 weeks gestational age. This research aims to understand the brain mechanisms behind motor skill maturation and the impact of preterm birth on these processes. The study uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy fNIRS to non-invasively measure brain activity while infants perform reach-to-grasp tasks. Infants will complete a series of movements including left-hand, right-hand reaching, and bimanual toy exploration, with rest periods between actions. The fNIRS cap, sized to fit infant head circumference, records brain signals from the sensorimotor cortex. Additionally, clinical assessments such as the Hand Assessment for Infants and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination will be performed. Participation involves a single assessment session where infants are prompted to reach and grasp toys while brain activity is recorded. During the session, infants also watch a video to maintain a resting state for fNIRS recording. Researchers will measure brain activity laterality, bimanual and unilateral activity, functional connectivity, and hand function. The study monitors neurological development and aims to provide insights into typical and atypical motor skill development in infancy.

fNIRS Grasping Task in Infants