Description
Optimal positioning of preterm infants in the NICU is a foundational component of neuroprotective, musculoskeletal, and developmental care. This lecture will review the unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of neonatal bones, joints, and musculature that inform evidence based positioning practices. Current research on positioning strategies will be summarized, highlighting both established benefits and persistent gaps in the literature. The session will explore how versatile, developmentally supportive positioning can promote physiologic stability, improve sleep and feeding behaviors, and facilitate early motor organization, while also addressing the potential adverse effects of restrictive or suboptimal positioning. Attendees will learn to identify gravity related musculoskeletal deformities commonly seen in preterm infants and discuss practical approaches to prevention within the NICU environment. Long term developmental implications of early positioning practices will also be examined, emphasizing the role of pediatric rehabilitation in shaping early trajectories. This lecture is designed to equip clinicians with a deeper understanding of the musculoskeletal and neurobehavioral underpinnings of positioning, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and support high quality, family centered neonatal care.
Learning Objectives
After completing this live activity, the participant should be able to:
- By the end of this lecture attendees will be able to describe the specifics of neonatal bones, articular structures and muscles
- After attending this lecture attendees will understand the benefits of versatile positioning and potential side effects of restrictive positioning
- By the end of this lecture attendees will be able to recognise gravity related deformities in neonates and ways to prevent those
- By the end of this lecture attendees will understand long term developmental implications of positioning
- By the end of this activity attendees will be able to describe neuroprotective benefits of appropriate positioning on neonatal sleep, feeding, and motor behaviors
Accreditation Statement
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CME Credit Designation
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) designates this live activityfor a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclosure Statement
In accordance with ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, AAPM&R requires all individuals who are in a position to affect the strategic direction of AAPM&R and/or control the content of an educational activity to disclose all financial relationships with any ineligible company within the last 24 months. The ACCME defines an “ineligible company” as any entity whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Disclosures are made in written form prior to the start of the educational activity, and any potential conflicts of interest that exist are mitigated prior to the start of the activity through AAPM&R’s Conflict of Interest Disclosure and Resolution Policy Process. Individuals in a position to affect the strategic direction of AAPM&R and/or control content and their disclosed financial relationships are listed below.
No other planners, faculty, or individuals in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships.
Principle Faculty
Name, Credential(s): Company Name, Nature of financial relationship;
Elizabeth Martin MD, MPH, MHS, FAAPMR - Nothing to Disclose
Vera Tsetlina MD, FAAPMR - Nothing to Disclose
Merit Gorgy MD - Nothing to Disclose
AAPM&R Medical Education Committee
Name, Credential(s): Company Name, Nature of financial relationship
Rachel Brakke Holman, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Sarah M. Eickmeyer, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Chelsea D. Frost, MD, MS - Nothing to Disclose
David J. Haustein, MBA,MD,MBA - Relationships to Disclose
Sarah K. Hwang, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Ravi E. Kasi, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Caroline Pupke, DO - Nothing to Disclose
Monica E. Rho, MD - Nothing to Disclose
McCasey R. Smith, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Jennifer A. Soo Hoo, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Brionn K. Tonkin, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Stephanie Tow, MD - Nothing to Disclose
Justin L. Weppner, DO - Nothing to Disclose
Alexandra G. Wolfe, DO - Nothing to Disclose
FDA Disclosures
All faculty members for this activity have disclosed they do not intend to discuss or demonstrate any pharmaceutical or medical device for which FDA clearance has not been approved.