Infancy intervention strategies focus on which primary goals?

• A. Maintain range of motion and prevent contractures
• B. Maximize high-intensity resistance training
• C. Skip head control tasks
• D. Promote crawling only

Answer: (A)

Infancy intervention is built around preserving movement by keeping joints flexible and preventing muscles and connective tissues from shortening. Maintaining range of motion helps prevent contractures, which are tight, stiff joints that can form when movement is limited or muscles are imbalanced. By using gentle range-of-motion exercises, careful positioning, and appropriate orthotics or casting when needed, therapists keep hips, knees, ankles, and elbows in a functional range. This not only reduces deformity risk but also sets the child up for later motor achievements as they grow, such as rolling, sitting, and eventual standing.

High-intensity resistance training isn’t appropriate for infants, because their muscles and joints aren’t prepared for that level of load and developmentally appropriate activities focus on safe, foundational movement. Skipping head control tasks would neglect a crucial early milestone, since head and trunk control are essential for balance and progression to other skills. Promoting crawling only is too narrow, as infancy therapy aims to support a broad range of motor milestones, not one isolated activity.