Abstract

Background: Newborns at risk for developmental impairment need a specific follow-up for early diagnosis and adequate intervention. During the first year of life neural plasticity is at its highest; this is the most appropriate time for an effective intervention, in order to promote healthy relationships and good experiences. Osteopathy is a manual therapy based on the evaluation and soft mobilization of the musculoskeletal and fascial systems in order to improve posture and motor skills. Some studies support its scientific value and safety for children undergoing osteopathic treatments.
Materials and Methods: We present clinical data collected during the experience at the program for “Neurodevelopmental Follow-up and Pediatric Osteopathy" at Desenzano del Garda Hospital (Italy). It’s a public health service in which osteopathy has been included in a perspective of Osteopathic Integrated Early Intervention.
The program, covering the first years of life, is dedicated to newborns at risk for developmental impairment and consists in:

1. Pediatric and neurological examination
2. Osteopathic evaluation and treatment performed by physicians skilled in traditional pediatric osteopathy, following the teachings of Doctor Viola M. Frymann
3. Home program to promote child development. A program that involves parents to create a good environment, to improve parent-child relationship and to support motor and sensory development during home activities.

Aim of the present study is to review clinical data of babies followed at the program and to describe their neurological development.
Results: The program takes care of more than 500 newborns.
Patients have been sent to the program from the Neonatology Department and the Territorial Services.
Average age at the first evaluation is 2 months.
Children followed at the program present the following conditions: prematurity, dystocia or hypoxia, postural and orthopedic disorders, congenital syndromes and neurological problems, gastrointestinal functional disorders. When necessary, medical advice from other specialists is requested, in a multidisciplinary perspective. The recommended integrated approach has proved to be very helpful in many aspects: postural setting, motor behavior, neuromotor development, gastrointestinal functions, relationship parent-child. Families accepted the recommended follow-up program. No child has had any adverse effects.
Conclusions: Our experience encourages to explore the potential of osteopathy in neonatal and pediatric care. The Osteopathic Integrated Early Intervention could be considered a model for safe and effective early intervention in order to promote development in newborns at risk.