Abstract
Investigating parent–infant joint exercises, this study identified movements that elicit positive emotional responses in infants and examined the satisfaction levels of both mothers and their infants. Parent–infant joint exercises and control movements were video-recorded, and impression assessments were conducted. The exercises were then compared with the control movements within each group. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to mothers before and after the intervention to assess the satisfaction levels of both mothers and infants. Our findings revealed that two movements during the exercises—vertical swaying and high lifting while standing—elicited laughter in infants. Furthermore, both mothers and infants showed higher satisfaction levels following the exercises when compared to their levels prior to the intervention and after the control movements. The gentle sway and inviting height likely heightened infant arousal and synchronized facial expressions between mothers and infants, potentially leading to the observed positive responses in infants.
