Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of early intervention on motor and mental development in premature infants. Methods 108 cases of hospital-born premature infants were divided into early intervention group (n=57) and control group (n=51). All the cases accepted conventional treatment and health-care, and the intervention group accepted the early intervention in addition. They were assessed with psychomotor development index (PDI) and mental development index (MDI) of Bayley Scales of Infant Development when they were 1 or 2 years old. The incidence of cerebral palsy when they were 2 years old were recorded. Results 2 cases (1 for each) lost during the follow-up.The PDI and MDI were more in the intervention group than in the control group (P<0.05), both as the 1 and 2 years old. The incidence of cerebral palsy was less in the intervention group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The early intervention can promote mental and motor development in premature infants, and reduce the incidence of cerebral palsy later.

Key words: premature infants, early intervention, cerebral palsy, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, motor, mental