Predictive value of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition at 4years, for motor impairment at 8years in children born preterm.

Abstract

To assess the predictive validity at 4years of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition (MABC-2) for motor impairment at 8years in children born preterm. We also aimed to determine if sex, cognition, medical, or social risks were associated with motor impairment at 8years or with a change in MABC-2 score between 4 years and 8years. Ninety-six children born at less than 30weeks' gestation were assessed with the MABC-2 at 4 years and 8years of age. Motor impairment was defined as less than or equal to the 5th centile. The Differential Ability Scales - Second Edition (DAS-II) was used to measure General Conceptual Ability (GCA) at 4years, with a score <90 defined as 'below average'. There was a strong association between the MABC-2 total standard scores at 4years and 8years (59% variance explained, regression coefficient=0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69-0.91, p<0.001). The MABC-2 at 4years had high sensitivity (79%) and specificity (93%) for predicting motor impairment at 8years. Below average cognition and higher medical risk were associated with increased odds of motor impairment at 8years (odds ratio [OR]=15.3, 95% CI 4.19-55.8, p<0.001, and OR=3.77, 95% CI 1.28-11.1, p=0.016 respectively). Sex and social risk did not appear to be associated with motor impairment at 8years. There was little evidence that any variables were related to change in MABC-2 score between 4 years and 8years. The MABC-2 at 4years is predictive of motor functioning in middle childhood. Below average cognition and higher medical risk may be predictors of motor impairment.