Linkage of ICF-CY codes with environmental factors in studies of developmental outcomes of infants and toddlers with or at risk for motor delays

Purpose: Environmental variables have been explored in studies of the development of young children with motor delays. Linking environmental variables to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth (ICF-CY), environmental factors (EFs) categories can provide a common language for documenting their contribution to developmental outcomes. This review of studies aimed to (1) link EFs for developmental outcomes in infants with or at risk for motor delays to ICF-CY categories and (2) synthesize the influences of EFs (with ICF-CY linkage) on developmental outcomes. Method: A systematic literature search was performed of multiple databases. After applying selection criteria, environmental variables in 28 articles were linked to ICF-CY categories and underwent qualitative synthesis. Results: Results indicated that physical environmental variables could be linked successfully to ICF-CY EFs categories, but not social environmental variables. Multiple environmental variables were associated with motor and other developmental outcomes. Conclusion: Difficulties in linking social factors to ICF-CY categories indicate that additional EFs codes may need to be considered in the ICF-CY revision processes. The review provides empirical data on relationships between EFs and developmental outcomes in children with or at risk for motor delay.Implications for RehabilitationExpansion of codes is needed in the ICF-CY for classifying environmental factors in programs for children.The temporary framework of categorizing the social environmental aspect by using ICF-CY as well as three broadly not-linked social categories can be used to promote communication among professionals serving children with special needs.Findings are consistent with theories that environmental facilitators (barriers) can lead to favorable (adverse) motor, cognitive or language outcomes for children of 2 years old or younger with or at risk for motor delay.Environmental factors can serve as significant indicators in early childhood intervention and habilitation programs.