Effects of early intervention on mental or neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions in children born low birthweight or preterm: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the association between early intervention and mental or neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions of children born low birthweight (LBW) or preterm. METHOD: The meta-analysis included 16 studies that yielded 97 effects. Q and I2 values were used to determine heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's regression intercept test and a funnel plot. RESULTS: The association between early intervention and either mental or neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions yielded a significant but small effect size (d = .219, p < .0001). Heterogeneity was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Participation in early intervention programs addressing mental or neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions in children born LBW or preterm results in significant improvements in these areas.