OBJECTIVE: To compare motor development in preterm and full term infants from 12 to 18 months and to investigate the relationship between functional performance and quantity and quality of environmental stimulation. METHODS: Quantitative, exploratory and longitudinal study, which included 30 preterm (gestational age: 30.0±2.3 weeks and birth weight: 1178±193g) and 30 full term infants (39±1.3 weeks and 3270±400g). Motor development was evaluated by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales. Home environment was assessed by the Home Observation Measurement of the Environment. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory was used to examine functional abilities. RESULTS: The preterm group presented slower gait acquisition (p=0.005), although no significant differences between groups were found in the Alberta Infant Motor Scale at 12 (p=0.187) and 15 months (p=0.80). At 18 months, significant differences were found in gross (p<0.001) and fine (p=0.001) motor development and in functional abilities, with a better performance of the full term group. There were differences between groups in the Home Observation Measurement of the Environment inventory (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Performance differences between groups increased from 12 to 18 months, and environmental factors might have enhanced the effects of biological risks. Developmental follow-up programs should focus on aspects of the environment where the child lives.
prematurity; child development; risk factors; evaluation
