54 NORMATIVE DATA FOR AGE AND SEX VARIABILITY IN NEUROMATURATIONAL FUNCTION

Abstract

A collection of soft neurological signs including horizontal visual tracking, dysdiadochokinesis, motor impersistence, finger differentiation , choreiform movements, stereognosis, synkinesias,stimulus extinction, and laterality were studied in a cross-sectional population of 114 children(5-12y) without learning or behavior problems to determine the effect of age and sex on the variability of their manifestation. The items were viewed as a composite measure of neurologic maturity and scores on individual items were summed and designated the “Neuromaturation Total” or NMT(interobserver reliability= 0.92). The NMTs demonstrated a curvilinear distribution with the greatest rate of change occurring between ages 6 to 8 years. A non-linear regression model indicated that 64% of the variability in scores was accounted for by age and sex indicating that NMT is a maturational and sex dependent function and not necessarily indicative of specific brain damage. The regression analysis generated a normative equation: These normative data facilitate comparison of actual versus predicted NMTs and thereby a means to quantify neuromaturation. NMTs can determine if neuromaturational delay is present as a contributing factor in children with learning disabilities, “hyperactivity” or related dysfunctions.