Alberta Infant Motor Scale Research Articles

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale: A tool for the assessment of motor aspects of neurodevelopment in infancy and early childhood.

According to the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the surveillance of motor development should accompany systematic appointments with medical professionals in infancy and early childhood. One of the standardized tools for evaluating motor development is the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). This paper aims to present assumptions and psychometric properties of the AIMS, the methodology of assessment of an infant's performance with the AIMS, and research on the validation and standardization of the AIMS as well as the use of the scale as an outcome measure. We conducted a non-systematic literature review using three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Embase (from June 1992 to February 2022). We included original research with a full-text manuscript in English. No geographical restrictions were applied. The search terms “alberta infant motor scale” AND “reliability” OR “validity” and “alberta infant motor scale” AND “norms” OR “reference” OR “standardization” were used for literature review on the validation and standardization of the AIMS in other non-Canadian populations. This narrative review also focuses on how the AIMS is applied as an outcome measure in research by presenting studies on the AIMS conducted over the last decade. Our review found that the AIMS is widely used for both research and clinical purposes. The AIMS has been used as an outcome measure in both interventional and observational studies conducted on both neurotypical infants and those with conditions affecting motor development. The advantages of the scale are its infant-friendliness, time duration of the examination, and relative ease of application for an examiner. The scale has been validated and standardized in many countries.

Predicting Early Vestibular and Motor Function in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) can affect vestibular function, which is an important cornerstone for early motor development. This study aims to identify risk factors for early vestibular dysfunction with severe repercussions on the motor outcome. This prospective cohort study included 169 cCMV-patients with complete vestibular assessment (lateral video Head Impulse Test and cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials) before the age of 18 months (mean 8.9, standard deviation 3.27 months). Motor results using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale were collected in 152 of these patients. Logistic and linear regression models were applied to identify risk factors for the vestibular and motor outcomes, respectively. The odds of developing early vestibular dysfunction were 6 times higher in patients presenting with hearing loss at birth compared to those born with normal hearing (p=.002). Within the latter group, significant predictors for vestibular dysfunction were (delayed-onset) hearing impairment at the time of vestibular testing (p=.003) and the presence of periventricular cysts on magnetic resonance imaging (p=.005). Remarkably, none of the patients infected during the third trimester of pregnancy (n=14) developed early vestibular dysfunction. On average, vestibular-impaired patients had a z-score on the Alberta Infant Motor Scale that was 1.17 points lower than patients without vestibular deficit (p < .001). Early vestibular loss can have a significant adverse effect on motor development. Hearing and cranial imaging findings could facilitate the widespread implementation of a (targeted) vestibular assessment approach in the cCMV-population. 3 Laryngoscope, 133:1757-1765, 2023.

General movements assessment and Alberta Infant Motor Scale in neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants.

We aimed to compare the General Movement Assessment (GMA) and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) in preterm infants for the prediction of cerebral palsy (CP) and neurodevelopmental delay (NDD). Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic compatibility of the General Movement Optimality Score (GMOS), the Motor Optimality Score (MOS), and AIMS for detecting CP and NDD. Seventy-five preterm infants with gestational age (GA) 24-37 weeks were enrolled. Group 1 was composed of infants with 24-28GA (n=22); groups 2 and 3 consisted of infants with 29-32GA weeks (n=23) and 33-37GA (n=30) weeks, respectively. The infants were assessed during the writhing period, the fidgety period, and at 6-12 months of corrected age with GMOS, MOS, and AIMS, respectively. In the writhing period, a cramped-synchronized pattern was observed in 17 (22%) infants, whereas a poor repertoire pattern was observed in 34 (45%) infants. In the fidgety period of the 63 infants, 29 (46%) presented with fidgety movements absent. The MOS and AIMS scores of the infants in group 1 were significantly lower than the other groups, which were statistically significant (p=0.004, p˂0.001). High and positive compatibility (Kappa coefficient: 0.709; p=0.001) was found between AIMS and GMOS scores and between AIMS and MOS scores (Kappa coefficient: 0.804; p<0.001). In all groups, a statistically significant association was found between total GMOS scores (p=0.003) and the presence of fidgety movements (p=0.003). GMOS, MOS, and AIMS were found to be associated with CP and NDD (p<0.001). GMA is an important tool for the prediction of CP and NDD. The combined use of GMOS, MOS, and AIMS may guide the clinical practice for the valid and reliable diagnosis of CP and NDD.

Fisioterapia com brinquedos e terapia assistida por cães em lactentes: estudo observacional

ABSTRACT This study aimed to compare physical therapy with toys with dog-assisted therapy in the neuromotor development of 4-month-old infants with and without neuromotor alterations. This is a qualitative descriptive and observational study carried out with 10 infants, who were evaluated by the Alberta Infant Motor Scale, divided into Group 1 (G1) and Group 2 (G1), and subdivided into Toy Group (TG1 and TG2) and Dog Group (DG1 and DG2) for the performance of fortnightly interventions. By the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development - Infant Scale, we assessed the opportunities present in the home environment. Qualitative data were analyzed using photos and videos. The presence of a dog in DG1 and DG2 resulted in a relaxed and fun environment, infants interested in touching the animal’s fur, alternating limb movements, eye contact, sound production, increased social interaction, and feeling of security. In TG1 and TG2, decrease in motivation was observed as well as the absence of sound production and eye contact by infants, and interest in touch restricted to toys that had different colors and sounds, with little agitation and motivation for motor skills in those groups. We concluded that the dog’s presence promoted better motor, social, affective, and cognitive results. Animal-assisted therapy can be an effective method to support conventional physical therapy for infants with delayed neuropsychomotor development.

The Polish Version of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale: Cultural Adaptation and Validation.

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is a diagnostic tool for the assessment of the motor performance of infants from the time of birth, to the period of independent walking (0–18 months). This study aims to derive a Polish version of the AIMS through its cultural adaptation and validation. The study included 145 infants aged 0–18 months, who were divided into four further age groups: 0–3 months, 4–7 months, 8–11 months, and older than 12 months. The validation was based on an analysis of intrarater and interrater reliability values, as well as concurrent validity, using the gross motor scale of Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (PDMS-2). The total Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for intrarater reliability was 0.99 (ICC range in positions was 0.87–0.99, in subgroups was 0.91–0.99), while in particular positions, the ICC ranges were as follows: prone 0.97–0.99, supine 0.94–0.99, sitting 0.95–0.99, and standing: 0.63–0.99. The total ICC for interrater reliability was 0.99 (ICC range in positions was 0.98–0.99, in subgroups was 0.91–0.99), while in particular positions, the ICC ranges were as follows: prone 0.95–0.99, supine 0.93–0.96, sitting 0.93–0.98, standing 0.91–0.98. Only the standing position was analyzed for the subgroup of participants over 12 months old. The Spearman correlation between the Polish version of the AIMS and the gross motor scale of PDMS-2 was significant in the total population (r = 0.97, p < 0.0001) and in subgroups (r = 0.79–0.85, p < 0.0001). The results of our study confirm that the Polish version of the AIMS is reliable for infants aged 0–18 months and can be applied to this population for clinical and scientific purposes.Trial RegistryClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05264064, URL https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ct2/show/NCT05264064.

The Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Interventions on Motor and Sensory Functions in Infants with Cortical Vision Impairment and Cerebral Palsy: A Single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Cortical vision impairment (CVI) and Cerebral Palsy (CP) lead to decrement in sensory and motor functions of infants. The current study examined the effectiveness of sensory integration interventions on sensory, motor, and oculomotor skills in infants with cortical vision impairment. Thirty-four infants with and CP aged 12–18 months were enrolled to the study. The infants were randomly divided into two groups as the control and intervention groups. The intervention group took sensory integration intervention 2 days a week for 8 weeks in addition to conventional physiotherapy 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group only received the conventional physiotherapy program 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The duration of the treatment sessions were 45 min for both interventions. Before and after the intervention, sensory processing functions were evaluated with the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI), and motor functions were evaluated with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-test mean TSFI total and AIMS scores in the intervention group and control group (p < 0.001). The intervention group mean TSFI scores were more statistically significant than the those of the control group. Mean post-intervention AIMS scores did not differ between groups. Sensory integration intervention delivered with the conventional physiotherapy program was more effective than the conventional physiotherapy program in increasing sensory processing skills in one measure in infants with CVI and CP.

Lower iron stores were associated with suboptimal gross motor scores in infants at 3-7 months.

AimTo investigate associations between iron status and gross motor scores in infants aged 3–7 months.MethodsIn a prospective study, 252 infants aged 3–7 months were examined using the age‐standardised Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) prior to analysing iron status in 250 infants. Combined AIMS and ferritin results were assessed in 226 infants, whereas AIMS and reticulocyte haemoglobin (ret‐Hb) results were obtained for 61 infants. We used logistic regressions and receiver operator characteristics to analyse our data.ResultsWith AIMS z‐score <10th percentile as outcome measure, optimal cut‐off value for ferritin was 51 μg/L (sensitivity 86%, specificity 81%) and 28 pg for ret‐Hb (sensitivity 86%, specificity 85%). The area under the curve for ferritin and ret‐Hb was 0.886 and 0.896, respectively (n = 61). Ferritin <51 μg/L predicted an AIMS z‐score <10th percentile in a logistic regression (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4–7.5, p = 0.006, n = 226). Six of 14 (43%) infants with ret‐Hb <28 pg scored <10th percentile on AIMS compared to 1/47 (2.1%) infants with ret‐Hb ≥28 μg/L (Exact, p < 0.001).ConclusionReticulocyte haemoglobin of <28 pg and ferritin <51 μg/L were associated with suboptimal gross motor scores in infants 3–7 months.

Early Physiotherapy Intervention Program for Preterm Infants and Parents: A Randomized, Single-Blind Clinical Trial.

Background: The early developmental interventions might be designed with a preventative approach to improving the development of at-risk preterm infants. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an early physiotherapy intervention on preterm infants’ motor and global development, and on parents’ stress index. Methods: 48 infants were enrolled and randomized into two groups. Infants allocated to the intervention group received an early physiotherapy intervention, based on parental education sessions and tactile and kinesthetic stimulation during the NICU period, as well as a home-based activity program. The intervention commenced after 32 weeks post-menstrual age and ended at 2 months corrected age. Infants allocated to the control group received the usual care based on the NIDCAP-care. Results: No differences were found between groups on the Alberta Infant Motor Scale at 2- or 8-months corrected age. Infants in the intervention group showed more optimal fine motor, problem-solving, personal-social, and communication development at 1 month corrected age. Conclusions: The results showed no effect on the early physiotherapy intervention. Results might be related to the dose or intensity of the intervention, but also to the poor parental compliance. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03313427.

The AIMS home-video method: parental experiences and appraisal for use in neonatal follow-up clinics

BackgroundIn The Netherlands, prematurely born infants and their parents are offered regular developmental check-ups in a hospital setting. In line with providing healthcare at distance, the use of video footage showing the infant’s behavior and movements, taken by parents at home and assessed by professionals online, might be a fruitful future practice. The focus of this study was to gain insight into parental experiences with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale home-video method and their appraisal of its applicability for use in an outpatient neonatal follow-up clinic.MethodA qualitative descriptive study among parents of healthy extremely or very premature infants (GA 26.2–31.5 weeks) participating in a longitudinal study of motor development between 3–18 months corrected age. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed independently. Inductive content analysis was performed following the process of the AIMS home-video method.ResultsParents appraised the AIMS home-video method as manageable and fun to do. Instructions, instruction film, and checklists were clear. Transferring the video footage from their phone to their computer and uploading it to the web portal was sometimes time-consuming. Parents gained a better awareness of their infant’s motor development and found the provided feedback a confirmation of what they already thought about their infant’s development and was reassuring that their child was doing well. First-time parents seemed more uncertain and had a greater need for information about (motor) development, but on the other hand, also had confidence in their child.All parents thought that home-videos can be an addition to follow-up visits, but cannot replace (all) visits. It may be an opportunity to reduce the frequency of hospital visits, while still having their infant monitored.ConclusionParents appraised the AIMS home-video method positively and are of the opinion that home-videos can be of added value in monitoring infants at risk in neonatal follow-up additional to hospital visits. In future research a user-friendly application and/or platform to exchange video footage safely between parents and professionals should be developed with all possible stakeholders involved and implementation should be explored.

Telemonitoring of motor skills using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale for at-risk infants in the first year of life

Introduction Remote assessment creates opportunities for monitoring child development at home. Determining the possible barriers to and facilitators of the quality of telemonitoring motor skills allows for safe and effective practices. We aimed to: (1) determine the quality, barriers and facilitators of Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) home videos made by mothers; (2) verify interrater reliability; (3) determine the association between contextual factors and the quality of assessments. Methods Thirty infants at biological risk aged between three and ten months, of both sexes, and their mothers were included. Assessments were based on asynchronous home videos, where motor skills were evaluated by mothers at home according to AIMS guidelines. The following were analyzed: video quality; stimulus quality; camera position; and physical environment. The video characteristics were analyzed descriptively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to calculate interrater reliability and the regression model to determine the influence of contextual factors on the outcome variables. Significance was set at 5%. Results Remote assessment of AIMS exhibited high image and stimulus quality, and a suitable physical environment. Interrater reliability was high for all domains: prone (r = 0.976); supine (r = 0.965); sitting (r = 0.987); standing (r = 0.945) and total score (r = 0.980). The contextual factors had no relation with assessment quality. Discussion Assessments conducted remotely by the mothers showed high video quality and interrater reliability, and represent a promising assessment tool for telemedicine in at-risk infants in the first year of life.

Intra-Individual Variability in Gross Motor Development in Healthy Full-Term Infants Aged 0-13 Months and Associated Factors during Child Rearing.

The gross motor development of a typically developing infant is a dynamic process, the intra-individual variability of which can be investigated through longitudinal assessments. Changes in gross motor development vary, according to the interaction of multiple sub-systems within the child, environment, task setting, and experience or practice of movement. At present, studies on environmental factors that influence gross motor development in full-term infants over time are limited. The main aim of this study was to investigate environmental factors affecting intra-individual variability from birth to 13 months. The gross motor development of 41 full-term infants was longitudinally assessed every month from the age of 15 days using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. Parents were interviewed monthly about environmental factors during childcare. Infants showed fluctuations in the percentile of gross motor development, and no systematic pattern was detected. The total mean range of gross motor percentile was 65.95 (SD = 15.74; SEM = 2.28). The percentiles of gross motor skills over the 14 assessments ranged from 36 to 93 percentile points. Factors that were significantly associated with the gross motor development percentile were the use of a baby walker (Coef. = −8.83, p ≤ 0.0001) and a baby hammock (Coef. = 7.33, p = 0.04). The use of baby hammocks could increase the gross motor percentile by 7.33 points. Although the usage of a baby walker is common practice in childcare, it may cause a decrease in the gross motor percentile by 8.83 points according to this study. In conclusion, healthy full-term infants exhibited a natural variability in gross motor development. Placing infants in a baby walker during the first year of age should be approached with caution due to the risk of delayed gross motor development.

'Low-normal' motor skills in infants at high risk for poor developmental outcomes: A prevalence and prognostic study.

To investigate the prevalence and prognostic value of 'low-normal' motor skills in infants at high-risk for poor developmental outcomes. Infants born extremely low-birthweight and extremely preterm discharged from neonatal intensive care between 2015 and 2018 completed the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), Neuro-Sensory Motor Developmental Assessment (NSMDA) at corrected age 4, 8, and 12 months, and Griffiths Mental Development Scale at corrected age 12 months. Participating infants (n=191) with a mean gestational age (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 26.80 weeks (26.60, 27.1) and mean birthweight (95% CI) of 869 grams (843, 895) included 45 (23.80%) infants small for gestational age. AIMS rated 50.32%, 35.37%, and 14.86% of infants within the 'low-normal' motor skills range (1-2 SD below the mean for age) at 4, 8, and 12 months respectively. Of the infants within the AIMS 'low-normal' skills range, 55.70%, 88.46%, and 59.10% were classified as having impairment by NSMDA at 4, 8, and 12 months respectively. Griffiths assessment at 12 months identified only 7.33% of infants with 'low-normal' skills and 3.33% with motor disability. Minimal motor impairment rating on the NSMDA at 4 or 8 months significantly predicted general development at 12 months. High-risk infants with 'low-normal' motor skills may warrant referral to early intervention as associated impairment represents increased risk for poorer general development outcomes. High prevalence of 'low-normal' motor skill exists in high-risk infants. Clinical motor assessment validly identifies infants with motor impairment. Minimal motor impairment in high-risk infants is prognostic of general development. High-risk infants with 'low-normal' motor skills may warrant early intervention. Griffiths Scales of Child Development, Third Edition assessment at 12-months age may under-identify motor difficulties.

Canadian and Brazilian Percentile Ranks for the Alberta Infant Motor Scale

Aim: To verify if there is a difference between the percentile ranks for Brazilian infants compared with norms for Canadian infants on the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). Method: A cross-sectional study in which 322 Brazilian infants, 2 to 15 months old, were administered the AIMS. Percentile ranks were calculated using norms for Canadian infants and norms from two studies of Brazilian infants. The Friedman test compared the AIMS percentile ranks for the entire sample. For reliability analysis, the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. Bland Altman's analysis was applied to compare percentile ranks. Results: Of the 322 evaluations analyzed, there were significant differences (p<.001) between the three percentile ranks compared. The Canadian norms presented the lowest average rating. There was good reliability between the percentile ranks (ICC > 0.75) but low agreement (Bland Altman; p<.001). Conclusion: There are differences between the Brazilian and Canadian percentile ranks and between the Brazilian percentile ranks of 2014 and 2016, and these differences may influence identification of motor development.

The Role of Motor Coordination, ADHD-Related Characteristics and Temperament among Mothers and Infants in Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Cohort Prospective Study.

Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life, breastfeeding rates are low. Motor skills and ADHD-related characteristics have not yet been examined as breastfeeding barriers. The aim of this study was to explore whether mothers’ and infants’ motor skills, mothers’ ADHD-related characteristics and infants’ temperament are associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months after birth. Participants were 164 mothers and their infants recruited 2 days after birth. Mothers completed a demographic and delivery information questionnaire, the Infant Feeding Intentions Scale and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. At 6 months, mothers completed the Adult DCD (developmental coordination disorder)/Dyspraxia Checklist, the Adult ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist-v1.1, and the Infant Characteristics Questionnaire, and provided information about their breastfeeding status. They were then divided into two groups accordingly: EBF (exclusive breastfeeding) and NEBF (non-exclusive breastfeeding). Infants were observed using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. At 6 months, NEBF mothers reported higher prevalence of DCD (10.2% vs. 1.9%, χ2 = 5.561, p = 0.018) and ADHD (20.3% vs. 8.6%, χ2 = 4.680, p = 0.030) compared to EBF mothers. EBF infants demonstrated better motor coordination (t = 2.47, p = 0.016, d = 0.511), but no temperament differences compared to NEBF infants. Maternal DCD, ADHD and poor infant motor coordination are associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding and may become exclusive breastfeeding barriers. These findings may assist in identifying women at risk of not exclusively breastfeeding and encourage tailoring interventions for achieving higher exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Telehealth Program for Infants at Risk of Cerebral Palsy during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Pre-post Feasibility Experimental Study

Aim: To verify the effects of a telerehabilitation program for infants at high risk for Cerebral Palsy (CP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Longitudinal study. Infants were aged 3–18 months corrected age, at risk of developmental delay. The General Movement Assessment or a neurologic examination were performed to identify the risk of CP. Motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). Caregivers of infants at high risk of CP applied a home-based program supervised by a Physical therapist, five times a week over 12 weeks. The program included guidance for optimal positioning, optimization of goal-directed activities, environmental enrichment, and educational strategies. Results: 100 infants at risk for delayed motor development were recruited. Eighteen infants were classified at high risk of CP, and 10 families completed telerehabilitation (83% final retention rate). No adverse events were reported. Adherence to the telecare program was high (90%). The costs were low. We found increased scores for all dimensions and the total score of the GMFM-88, and the AIMS percentile at the end of the intervention. Most infants presented a clinically significant change for the GMFM-88. Conclusions: The telecare program was feasible.

Comparative validity between the Canadian and the Dutch norms of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale in a preterm population.

Prematurity remains a leading cause of motor developmental delays. The Alberta Infant Motor Scales (AIMS) is a useful tool to easily assess motor development. However, during the last decade, cross-cultural differences have been identified regarding the original AIMS norms. Therefore, the aim of this study is twofold: confirm the validity of the AIMS in a preterm population and compare the new Dutch AIMS norms to the original Canadian ones in our Belgian population. Ninety-six preterm infants were assessed simultaneously on the AIMS and on the Bayley Scales of Infant-Toddler Development (Bayley-III) at age 9-14 months. Concurrent validity was evaluated by correlation analysis. Among these, 89 were assessed on the AIMS at age 3-6 months. Clinimetric properties of both AIMS norms were calculated to compare their ability to detect a motor delay on the Bayley-III at age 9-14 months. Pearson's coefficient showed an excellent level of correlation between the two scales (r = 0.91). At age 3-6 months, only the 10th Canadian centile showed acceptable properties to predict a significant motor delay. At age 9-14 months, the 5th centile of both norms showed good properties to diagnose a significant motor delay, while only the Canadian norms seems to be sensitive enough to diagnose a mild motor delay. The new Dutch norms seem to be less sensitive but more specific than the Canadian ones and therefore require adapted cut-offs to diagnose motor developmental delays in a preterm population.

Agreement Between Alberta Infant Motor Scale Assessment and Maternal Perception of Motor Development in Full-Term Infants

ABSTRACT Objectives To verify the agreement between the Alberta Infant Motor Scale assessment and maternal perception of the motor development in full-term infants. Methods This is a cross-sectional study involving 161 infants and mothers. Children were assessed with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) for motor developmental classification. Mothers completed questionnaires aiming to identify maternal profiles and impressions about their children’s development. The kappa test was used to analyze the concordance between AIMS and mother perceptions. Results A total of 83.2% of the sample was classified as typically developing and 16.8% as suspected or delayed development. The maternal impression indicates that 77% of infants are developing typically, 19.9% perceived their infants’ development as advanced, and 3.1% delayed development. There was low agreement between the mothers’ perceptions and AIMS classifications (kappa = 0.153) Conclusions Maternal perception of their infant’s development was unsatisfactory for evaluation of motor development because their perceptions did not agree with the findings of the AIMS.

Tool Use for Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy: A Survey of Spanish Pediatric Physical Therapists.

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of diagnostic assessment tools in pediatric physical therapy practice in Spain. Best practice recommendations indicate the timely use of key assessment tools to reduce the age of diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP). Pediatric physical therapists currently working in Spain in early intervention were recruited through targeted physical therapy entities. They were invited to complete the purpose-developed electronic survey, consisting of 45 multiple-choice questions, with 5 thematic blocks. Results from 140 anonymous respondents were analyzed. The average reported age when CP was suspected was 12.6 months. Most used the child's clinical history (88.1%), the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (41.3%), and Vojta Assessment Procedure (32.1%) to assess and detect CP. General Movements Assessment (25.7%) and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (28.4%) were used infrequently. Currently, pediatric physical therapists in Spain rely on clinical history and outdated tools to identify children with CP.Digital Abstract available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A361 (English).Digital Abstract available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A362 (Spanish).

Standardization of a Developmental Milestone Scale Using Data From Children in Israel

Routine developmental screening tests for children are used worldwide for early detection of developmental delays. However, assessment of developmental milestone norms lacks strong normative data, and there are inconsistencies among different screening tools. To establish milestone norms and build an updated developmental scale. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study conducted between 2014 and 2020. Developmental assessments were conducted by trained public health nurses, documented in national maternal child health clinics, known as Tipat Halav, which serve all children in Israel. Participants included all children born between January 2014 and September 2020, who were followed at the maternal child health clinics from birth to age 6 years. Exclusion criteria were preterm birth, missing gestational age, low birth weight (<2.5 kg), abnormal weight measurement (<3% according to standardized child growth charts), abnormal head circumference measurement (<3% or >97% according to standardized child growth charts), and visits without developmental data or without the child's age. Data analysis was performed from September 2020 to June 2021. In total, 59 milestones in 4 developmental domains were evaluated, and the achievement rate per child's age was calculated for each milestone. A contemporary developmental scale, the Tipat Halav Israel Screening (THIS) Developmental Scale, was built, presenting the 75%, 90%, and 95% achievement rates for each milestone. The THIS scale was compared with other commonly used screening tests, including the Denver Developmental Screening Test II (Denver II), the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Developmental Assessment. A total of 839 574 children were followed in the maternal child health clinics between January 2014 and September 2020 in Israel, and 195 616 children were excluded. A total of 3 774 517 developmental assessments were performed for the remaining 643 958 children aged 0 to 6 years (319 562 female children [49.6%]), resulting in the establishment of new developmental norms. In terms of the comparable milestones, THIS milestones had a match of 18 of 27 (67%) with the Denver II, 7 of 7 (100%) with AIMS, and 10 of 19 (53%) with the CDC Developmental Assessment. The remaining unmatched milestones were achieved earlier in the THIS scale compared with other screening tools. The THIS developmental scale is based on the largest population evaluated to date for developmental performance, representing the heterogeneous, multicultural population comprising this cohort. It is recommended for further evaluation worldwide.

Improvements in babies’ neuropsychomotor development after family-centered Kids Intervention Therapy – Aquatic Environment (KITE): biopsychosocial approach

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to verify the effects on 4- to 18-month-old babies’ NPMD after the family-centered Kids Intervention Therapy – Aquatic Environment (KITE) programme. This quasi-experimental study involved 61 families. The NPMD was assessed with Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), Denver II Developmental Screening Test, context assessment with questionnaire and Affordance in the Home Environment for Motor Development – Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS), and quality of life (QOL) assessment with Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ Infant Scales (PedsQL™). 24 babies in the intervention group (IG) participated in the KITE session twice a week for 4 weeks. 37 children participated in the control group. The IG sample had improved NPMD in post-intervention (p = 0.001) and retention (p = 0.002), with a large intervention effect (η = 0.178/0.156). The IG improved in the QOL physical capacity domain (p = 0.023), with a medium effect (d = 0.573). There were no differences between the groups regarding the stimulation received at home, which reinforces the effects of the KITE. It is concluded that the KITE had positive effects on the NPMD and QOL physical capacity domain in the participating.