The fidgety general movement assessment can predict motor development outcomes for pre-term twins or multiplets

Abstract

Objective To study the predictive validity of fidgety general movement assessment in pre-term twins and multiplets for motor development outcomes. Methods A total of 53 pre-term twins or multiplets delivered between July 2011 and February 2016 participated in this study. They were assessed using a general movements (GM) assessment and participated in the follow-up program until one year old. The motor development outcomes of the infants at one year old were determined according to clinical diagnoses and the Peabody developmental motor scale number two (PDMS-2) evaluation. The predictive validity of fidgety general movement assessment for motor development outcomes was calculated against the standard motor development of infants at one year old. Results There were 53 twins or multiplets who accepted the GM assessment of fidgety movement period. Of these, 43 were assessed as normal (NF) and ten (19%) as lacking a normal level of fidgety movement (F-). All 53 cases were followed-up for the motor development outcome. Forty-three cases (81.1%) were assessed as normal at one year old, while ten (18.9%) were assessed as abnormal. All ten had cerebral palsy, and no motor development retardation was found. The predictive value of F- for cerebral palsy was 90.0% in terms of sensitivity, 97.7% in terms of specificity, 90.0% in positive predictive value, and 97.7% in terms of negative predictive value. Conclusions Among pre-term twins or multiplets, the fidgety general movement assessment can be a useful early indicator of motor development difficulties. Key words: General movements assessment; Fidgeting; Twins; Multiple births; Pre-term infants; Cerebral palsy