Efficacy of Interventions to Improve Object Contact and Exploration in Full-Term Infants: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This systematic review explores interventions that improve object contact and exploration skills. Given the impact of object contact and exploration on many domains of development, there is a need to optimize these interventions. METHODS: We conducted a search of the literature involving object interaction. Data were synthesized to evaluate the effectiveness of different task-specific protocols. RESULTS: Our findings suggest that structured, repetitive practice, particularly under therapeutic guidance, improves object interaction skills in both full-term and preterm infants. Notably, home-based interventions delivered consistently for at least 2 weeks, yielded largest positive effect sizes. DISCUSSION: incorporating play-based, task-oriented activities into therapy can significantly enhance object exploration and contact skills. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of implementing structured, task-specific interventions in clinical settings to address motor skill deficits and support optimal developmental outcomes across populations.