Early Motor Repertoire Research Articles

The role of certain perinatal features in the early motor repertoire of infants.

Lower gestational age negatively affects the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants. Early motor repertoire is a reliable way to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study aimed to determine the correlation between gestational age and early motor repertoire in infants and also the roles of multiple pregnancies, gender, cranial utrasonography (USG) results, and birth weight in this relationship. This study included 139 infants, who were video recorded 9-17 weeks post-term. The recordings were evaluated using the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R). Structural equation modeling tool was used for the path analysis of the models. There was a weak positive correlation between gestational age and the MOS-R. In the relationship between gestational age and the MOS-R, multiple pregnancies, gender, and USG outcomes had a moderating effect. While abnormal USG, male gender, and singleton pregnancy increased this correlation to a moderate level, normal USG reduced the strength of the correlation. Female and twin pregnancies were non-significant in the model. Birth weight had a full mediating effect on the relationship between gestational age and the MOS-R. Infants with younger gestational age or lower birth weight, male infants, and infants with problems on cranial USG may have poorer early motor repertoire.

The role of fidgety movements and early motor repertoire in predicting mobility outcomes in infants with myelomeningocele

ObjectiveTo describe fidgety movements and co-occurring movements and postures in infants with myelomeningocele (MMC) and their association with mobility at preschool ages. MethodsA retrospective cohort with early assessment via general movement assessment, followed by mobility assessment between 36 and 70 months of age. ResultsTwelve infants were included; 12 of 12 had fidgety movements in the upper limbs, with seven exhibiting them also in the hips and three in both the hips and ankles. The presence of fidgety movements in the lower limbs, kicking, a non-flat posture, a non-monotonous movement character, and a non-absent age-adequate movement repertoire were independently associated with mobility using the Hoffer modified classification and functional mobility scale (FMS) at 5 and 50 m. An optimality score was calculated based on leg movements and postures, ranging from 0 to 10 points. Infants who scored at least 4 points achieved household ambulation and FMS (5 m) of at least level 4. Community ambulation and an FMS (50 m) of level 5 were achieved with a score of at least 7.5. ConclusionsAssessing fidgety movements with other leg movements and postures in infants with MMC provided relevant information that could potentially predict mobility at preschool age and thus could be used for early intervention planning.

Relationship between early infant motor repertoire and neurodevelopment on the hammersmith infant neurological examination in a developmentally vulnerable First Nations cohort

AimTo implement a culturally-adapted screening program aimed to determine the ability of infant motor repertoire to predict early neurodevelopment on the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) and improve Australian First Nations families' engagement with neonatal screening. MethodsA prospective cohort of 156 infants (55 % male, mean (standard deviation [SD]) gestational age 33.8 (4.6) weeks) with early life risk factors for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes (ad-NDO) participated in a culturally-adapted screening program. Infant motor repertoire was assessed using Motor Optimality Score-revised (MOS-R), captured over two videos, 11–13+6 weeks (V1; <14 weeks) and 14–18 weeks (V2; ≥14 weeks) corrected age (CA). At 4–9 months CA neurodevelopment was assessed on the HINE and classified according to age-specific cut-off and optimality scores as; developmentally ‘on track’ or high chance of either adverse neurodevelopmental outcome (ad-NDO) or cerebral palsy (CP). ResultsFamilies were highly engaged, 139/148 (94 %) eligible infants completing MOS-R, 136/150 (91 %), HINE and 123 (83 %) both. Lower MOS-R at V2 was associated with reduced HINE scores (β = 1.73, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–2.42) and high chance of CP (OR = 2.63, 95%CI = 1.21–5.69) or ad-NDO (OR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.10–1.74). The MOS-R sub-category ‘observed movement patterns’ best predicted HINE, infants who score ‘4’ had mean HINE 19.4 points higher than score ‘1’ (95%CI = 12.0–26.9). Receiver-operator curve analyses determined a MOS-R cut-off of <23 was best for identifying mild to severely reduced HINE scores, with diagnostic accuracy 0.69 (sensitivity 0.86, 95%CI 0.76–0.94 and specificity 0.40, 95 % CI 0.25–0.57). A trajectory of improvement on MOS-R (≥2 point increase in MOS-R from 1st to 2nd video) significantly increased odds of scoring optimally on HINE (OR = 5.91, 95%CI 1.16–29.89) and may be a key biomarker of ‘on track’ development. InterpretationImplementation of a culturally-adapted program using evidence-based assessments demonstrates high retention. Infant motor repertoire is associated with HINE scores and the early neurodevelopmental status of developmentally vulnerable First Nations infants.

Do moderate-to-late preterm twins and singletons differ in the early motor repertoire and later developmental functioning?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in early motor repertoire and later developmental functioning between moderate-to-late preterm twins and singletons. Material and Methods: The study included 40 moderate-to-late preterm twin infants (50% female), and 40 moderate-to-late preterm singleton infants (50% female). All infants were assessed from 9 up to 20 post-term weeks of corrected age using the General Movement Assessment (GMA), and between 24 and 42 months of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Results: There were no differences between the Motor Optimality Score (MOS) and its subcategories, including fidgety movements, obtained as a result of detailed GMA (p&gt;0.05), when the early motor repertoire results were examined. At later ages, there were also no significant differences in cognitive, language, and motor domain composite scores between twin and singleton infants, according to Bayley-III (p&gt;0.05). Discussion: Our results suggest moderate-to-late preterm twin infants had a similar developmental process to moderate-to-late preterm singleton infants from early periods up to 3.5 years of age. However, all preterm infants, including moderate-to-late infants, should be assessed in the clinic in terms of the risks of developmental problems from the early period of life.

The Impact of Increased Maternal sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio on Motor Outcome of Preterm Infants.

BackgroundThe sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1)/PlGF (placental growth factor) ratio serves as a clinical biomarker to predict the hypertensive, placenta-derived pregnancy disorder pre-eclampsia which is often associated with placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction. Additionally elevated levels also indicate an increased risk for prematurity. However, its predictive value for subsequent neonatal neurological outcome has not been studied.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the correlation of maternal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio with early motor outcome of preterm infants. Design/Methods: 88 preterm infants (gestational age ≤ 34 + 0) born between February 2017 and August 2020 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Essen in Germany, were included, when the following variables were available: maternal sFlt-1/PlGF levels at parturition and general movement assessment of the infant at the corrected age of 3 to 5 months. The infants were stratified into high and low ratio groups according to maternal sFlt-1/PlGF cut-off values of 85. To investigate the early motor repertoire and quality of spontaneous movements of the infant, the Motor Optimality Score (MOS-R) based on antigravity movements and posture patterns, was applied. In the given age, special attention was paid to the presence of fidgety movements. Linear regressions were run to test differences in infants motor repertoire according to the maternal sFlt-1/PIGF ratio.ResultsLinear regression analysis showed that the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio does not predict the MOS-R score (β=≤0.001; p=0.282). However, children with birth weight below the 10th percentile scored significantly lower (mean 20.7 vs 22.7; p=0.035). These children were 91% in the group with an increased ratio, which in turn is a known predictor of low birth weight (β= -0.315; p <0.001). In the group with a high sFlt-1/PLGF ratio above 85 the mothers of female infants had a lower average sFlt-1/PlGF ratio compared to a male infant (median: 438 in female vs. 603 in male infant, p=0.145).ConclusionsIn our cohort, especially low birth weight, which correlated with an elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, had a negative effect on the outcome in the MOS-R. A direct correlation between an increased ratio and a worse motor outcome was not demonstrated.

Infants prenatally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 show the absence of fidgety movements and are at higher risk for neurological disorders: A comparative study.

Congenital viral infections are believed to damage the developing neonatal brain. However, whether neonates exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) show manifestations of such damage remains unclear. For neurodevelopment evaluation, general movement assessments have been shown to be effective in identifying early indicators of neurological dysfunction, including the absence of fidgety movements. This study compared the early motor repertoire by general movement assessment at three to five months of age in neonates who were or were not prenatally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 to determine whether infants prenatally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 are at risk of developing neurological disorders. Fifty-six infants, including 28 in the exposed group of mothers without vaccination who had no need for intensive care and likely had SARS-CoV-2 infection close to the time of pregnancy resolution and 28 infants in the nonexposed group, were videotaped to compare their detailed early motor repertoires, in which a motor optimality score-revised (MOS-R) was calculated using Prechtl’s method by using the chi-square or Mann–Whitney U tests. In the exposed group, 3 (11%) infants showed the absence of fidgety movements with a total MOS-R<14 points, and 3 (11%) other infants showed abnormal fidgety movements. Between groups, atypical body symmetry (p = 0.009) and MOS-R values were significantly lower (Z = -3.08, p = 0.002), with a large size effect (Cohen’s d = 0.97). The consequences of this new virus go beyond the health of the pregnant mother, and these consequences in some of the infants in the exposed group are likely not transitory because of the absence of fidgety movements between 3–5 months; thus, these babies are at increased risk of developing a serious neurological disorder.

Developmental Functioning Outcomes in Infants With Cystic Fibrosis: A 24- to 36-Month Follow-Up Study.

This study aimed to examine early motor repertoire using Prechtl General Movement Assessment (GMA) and later developmental functioning of infants with cystic fibrosis (CF). Early motor repetoire was evaluated using Prechtl GMA, and developmental functioning was assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (Bayley-III) in infants with CF and their peers who were neurotypical, as the control group. Twelve infants with CF clinically stable and 12 infants who were neurotypical, with respective median post-term ages of 14 and 13weeks, were assessed using GMA. At 24 to 36months, the Bayley-III was applied to the CF group (median post-term age = 27.5months) and the control group (median post-term age = 27.0months). Fidgety movements were absent in 5 infants with CF, whereas all infants who were neurotypical had normal fidgety movements. The Motor Optimality Score was significantly lower in the CF group (median = 18.5) compared with the control group (median = 26). The CF group had significantly lower composite scores in the Bayley-III cognition, language, and motor domains compared with the control group. Cognitive, language, and motor development was delayed in infants with CF. Developmental functioning of infants with CF should be assessed as early as possible and monitored, and age-specific early intervention programs should be considered when necessary. Infants with CF may have motor, cognitive, and language developmental delays compared with peers who are neurotypical during early childhood, and hospitalization was negatively correlated with motor development at 24 to 36months of age. This study highlights the importance of early assessment of developmental functioning and age-specific, early intervention programs when necessary in infants with CF. It is important to assess developmental functioning as early as possible in infants with CF and to consider age-specific early intervention programs when necessary.

Early motor repertoire and neurodevelopment at 2years in infants born extremely preterm or extremely-low-birthweight.

To determine the relationship between early motor repertoire and 2-year neurodevelopment in infants born extremely preterm (<28 weeks' gestation) or extremely-low-birthweight (ELBW) (<1000g). This was a geographical prospective cohort of 139 infants born extremely preterm/ELBW (mean gestational age 26.7 weeks, standard deviation [SD] 2.0, 68/139 [49%] male), with parent-recorded videos suitable for scoring the General Movements Assessment (GMA). Motor repertoire was assessed using the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R), with and without the fidgety movement subsection, and the GMA alone at 12 to 13+6 weeks corrected age and 14 to 15+6 weeks corrected age. At 2years corrected age, impaired development was defined as Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition motor and cognitive development scores 1SD or less relative to controls born at term; paediatricians diagnosed cerebral palsy (CP). Greater MOS-R scores at 14 to 15+6 weeks corrected age were associated with lower odds of CP (odds ratio [OR] per 1-point increase=0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.71-0.99), and motor (OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.87-0.99), or cognitive impairment (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.88-0.99). Absent/abnormal GMA at 14 to 15+6 weeks was associated with CP and motor delay. There was little evidence that MOS-R scores at 12 to 13+6 weeks were associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2years. Poorer MOS-R scores and absent/abnormal GMA, scored from parent-recorded videos at 14 to 15+6 weeks gestational age, are associated with CP and developmental impairment in 2-year-old infants born extremely preterm/ELBW.

The Early Motor Repertoire in Preterm Infancy and Cognition in Young Adulthood: Preliminary Findings.

Preterm birth poses a risk to cognition during childhood. The resulting cognitive problems may persist into young adulthood. The early motor repertoire in infancy is predictive of neurocognitive development in childhood. Our present aim was to investigate whether it also predicts neurocognitive status in young adulthood. We conducted an explorative observational follow-up study in 37 young adults born at a gestational age of less than 35 weeks and/or with a birth weight below 1200 g. Between 1992 and 1997, these individuals were videotaped up until 3 months' corrected age to assess the quality of their early motor repertoire according to Prechtl. The assessment includes general movements, fidgety movements (FMs), and a motor optimality score (MOS). In young adulthood, the following cognitive domains were assessed: memory, speed of information processing, language, attention, and executive function. Participants in whom FMs were absent in infancy obtained lower scores on memory, speed of information processing, and attention than those with normal FMs. Participants with aberrant FMs, that is, absent or abnormal, obtained poorer scores on memory, speed of information processing speed, attention, and executive function compared to peers who had normal FMs. A higher MOS was associated with better executive function. The quality of the early motor repertoire is associated with performance in various cognitive domains in young adulthood. This knowledge may be applied to enable the timely recognition of preterm-born individuals at risk of cognitive dysfunctions.

Very Preterm Early Motor Repertoire and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 8 Years.

Children born very preterm (<32 weeks' gestation) have more neurodevelopmental problems compared with term-born peers. Aberrant fidgety movements (FMs) are associated with adverse motor outcomes in children born very preterm. However, associations of aberrant FMs combined with additional movements and postures to give a motor optimality score-revised (MOS-R) with school-aged cognitive and motor outcomes are unclear. Our aim with this study was to determine those associations. Of 118 infants born <30 weeks' gestation recruited into a randomized controlled trial of early intervention, 97 had a general movements assessment at 3 months' corrected age and were eligible for this study. Early motor repertoire including FMs and MOS-R were scored from videos of infant's spontaneous movement at 3 months' corrected age. At 8 years' corrected age, cognitive and motor performances were evaluated. Associations of early FMs and MOS-R with outcomes at 8 years were determined using linear regression. Seventy-eight (80%) infants with early motor repertoire data had neurodevelopmental assessments at 8 years. A higher MOS-R, and favorable components of the individual subscales of the MOS-R, including the presence of normal FMs, were associated with better performance for general cognition, attention, working memory, executive function and motor function at 8 years; eg, presence of normal FMs was associated with a 21.6 points higher general conceptual ability score (95% confidence interval: 12.8-30.5; P < .001) compared with absent FMs. Favorable early motor repertoire of infants born <30 weeks is strongly associated with improved cognitive and motor performance at 8 years.

The Effects of Different Exteroceptive Experiences on the Early Motor Repertoire in Infants With Down Syndrome.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality in which muscle tone, motor development, and sensory systems are affected. The objectives of this study were to examine the changes in movements and postures of 3- to 5-month-old infants with Down syndrome and infants who were neurotypical controls during exposure to a rough-textured surface and to compare the differences occurring before and during an exteroceptive condition that was different between the 2 groups. In this quasi-experimental study, participants were 20 infants with Down syndrome (8 female infants; age range = 10-18 weeks, mean [SD] = 12weeks 2days [2weeks 2days]) and 20 age-matched infants with typical development (8 female infants; age range = 9-17 weeks, mean (SD) = 12weeks 6days [1week 5days]). The movements and postures of the infants, including fidgety movements, were assessed according to the General Movements Assessment, which determines the Motor Optimality Score (MOS), on 2 surfaces. The MOS outcomes of the infants with Down syndrome (median = 21.5, range = 6-28) were significantly lower than those of the infants who were neurotypical (median = 28, range = 23-28) on a standard mattress. The postures were found to be significantly better in infants with Down syndrome during exposure to a rough-textured surface. The MOS did not change due to the different exteroceptive experiences in infants with Down syndrome and infants who were neurotypical. The different exteroceptive experiences caused only postural alterations, which might play a crucial role in early intervention programs for infants with Down syndrome. This is the first study, to our knowledge, on the effects of different exteroceptive conditions, such as a coco coir mattress covered with muslin fabric, on the early motor repertoire in infants with Down syndrome. The findings showed that infants with Down syndrome had heterogeneity in their fidgety movements and large variability of the MOS, and the MOS results from infants with Down syndrome were lower than those of infants who were neurotypical. Fidgety movements and the MOS did not change due to the different exteroceptive experiences in either group. Significant improvements in posture were observed during exposure to a rough-textured surface. The improvement of posture is essential; clinicians might consider the positive effect of putting an infant with Down syndrome on a rough-textured surface and include this strategy in early intervention programs.

A comparison of the early motor repertoire of very preterm infants and term infants

To obtain reference data on the early motor repertoire of very preterm infants compared with healthy term infants at three months' post-term age. In this observational study, using Prechtl's method on the assessment of the early motor repertoire, we compared the quality of fidgety movements and the concurrent motor optimality score - revised of infants with a gestational age <30 weeks and/or a birth weight <1000g with healthy infants with a gestational age of 37-42 weeks. One hundred eighty very preterm and 180 healthy term infants participated. The median motor optimality scores - revised of very preterm infants were significantly lower in comparison to those of term infants, with scores of 24 (25th-75th percentiles: 23-26) and 26 (25th-75th percentiles: 26-28), respectively. Fidgety movements were aberrant (abnormal or absent) more often in very preterm infants than in term infants. The odds ratio was 4.59 (95% CI, 1.51-13.92). Compared with term infants, very preterm infants had poorer scores on the subscales age-adequate movement repertoire, observed postural patterns, and movement character with odds ratios ≥2.97. We found no differences regarding observed movement patterns. This study provides reference data on the early motor repertoire of very preterm and healthy term infants. It demonstrates that the early motor repertoire of very preterm infants is poorer than that of term infants, a finding consistent with existing knowledge that prematurity increases the risk of poor neurodevelopment.

Early Motor Repertoire in Infants With Biliary Atresia: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study.

The aim of the study was to assess the neurological status in infants with biliary atresia (BA) at time of diagnosis, using Prechtl's validated General Movement Assessment. Infants diagnosed with BA were prospectively included in a nationwide cohort study. From birth to approximately 46 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA), general movements (GMs) are defined as "writhing movements." At 46 to 49 weeks PMA, "'fidgety movements" emerge. The infant's early motor repertoire was recorded on video before Kasai portoenterostomy. We scored GM optimality scores (min-max 5-42) or motor optimality scores (MOS, min-max 5-28) as appropriate. We defined GM optimality scores <36 and MOS <26 as atypical, and compared the results with 2 reference groups of healthy peers. We assessed GMs in 35 infants with BA (11/35 boys, gestational age 40 weeks [36-42], birth weight 3370 g [2015-4285]). At time of diagnosis (PMA 47 weeks [42-60]), 16 infants (46%) showed atypical GMs. The proportion of infants with atypical GMs was significantly higher in BA (46%) than in 2 reference groups of healthy infants (vs 10%, P < 0.001; vs 18%, P < 0.001). Total and direct bilirubin levels were 165 μmol/L (87-364) and 134 μmol/L (72-334), respectively, height z score was 0.05 (-2.90, 1.75), weight z score -0.52 ([-2.50, -0.20) and mean upper arm circumference z score -1.80 (-2.50, -0.20). We found no statistically significant relation between atypical GMs and clinical variables. Almost half of the infants with BA showed atypical GMs at time of diagnosis, suggesting neurological impairment. Close monitoring of these infants is warranted to determine their individual neurodevelopmental trajectories.

The motor repertoire in 3- to 5-month old infants with Down syndrome

BackgroundEven though Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal cause of intellectual disability, studies on early development are scarce. AimTo describe movements and postures in 3- to 5-month-old infants with Down syndrome and assess the relation between pre- and perinatal risk factors and the eventual motor performance. Methods and proceduresExploratory study; 47 infants with Down syndrome (26 males, 27 infants born preterm, 22 infants with congenital heart disease) were videoed at 10–19 weeks post-term (median=14 weeks). We assessed their Motor Optimality Score (MOS) based on postures and movements (including fidgety movements) and compared it to that of 47 infants later diagnosed with cerebral palsy and 47 infants with a normal neurological outcome, matched for gestational and recording ages. Outcomes and resultsThe MOS (median=13, range 10–28) was significantly lower than in infants with a normal neurological outcome (median=26), but higher than in infants later diagnosed with cerebral palsy (median=6). Fourteen infants with Down syndrome showed normal fidgety movements, 13 no fidgety movements, and 20 exaggerated, too fast or too slow fidgety movements. A lack of movements to the midline and several atypical postures were observed. Neither preterm birth nor congenital heart disease was related to aberrant fidgety movements or reduced MOS. Conclusions and implicationsThe heterogeneity in fidgety movements and MOS add to an understanding of the large variability of the early phenotype of Down syndrome. Studies on the predictive values of the early spontaneous motor repertoire, especially for the cognitive outcome, are warranted. What this paper addsThe significance of this exploratory study lies in its minute description of the motor repertoire of infants with Down syndrome aged 3–5 months. Thirty percent of infants with Down syndrome showed age-specific normal fidgety movements. The rate of abnormal fidgety movements (large amplitude, high/slow speed) or a lack of fidgety movements was exceedingly high. The motor optimality score of infants with Down syndrome was lower than in infants with normal neurological outcome but higher than in infants who were later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Neither preterm birth nor congenital heart disease were related to the motor performance at 3–5 months.

The association between the early motor repertoire and language development in term children born after normal pregnancy

BackgroundThe assessment of the early motor repertoire is a widely used method for assessing the infant's neurological status. AimTo determine the association between the early motor repertoire and language development. Study designProspective cohort study. Subjects22 term children born after normal pregnancy; video recorded for the assessment of the early motor repertoire including their motor optimality score (MOS), according to Prechtl, at 3 and 5months post term. Outcome measuresAt 4years 7months and 10years 5months, we tested the children's language performance by administering three tests for expressive language and two for receptive language. ResultsSmooth and fluent movements at 3months of age was associated with better expressive language outcome at both 4years 7months and 10years 5months (betas 0.363 and 0.628). A higher MOS at 5months was associated with better expressive language at both ages (betas 0.486 and 0.628). The item postural patterns at 5months was the only aspect associated with poorer expressive language outcome (beta −0.677). ConclusionPredominantly, qualitative aspects of the early motor repertoire at the age of 3 and 5months are associated with language development.

Early motor repertoire in very low birth weight infants in India is associated with motor development at one year.

Most studies on Prechtl's method of assessing General Movements (GMA) in young infants originate in Europe. To determine if motor behavior at an age of 3 months post term is associated with motor development at 12 months post age in VLBW infants in India. 243 VLBW infants (135 boys, 108 girls; median gestational age 31wks, range 26-39wks) were video-recorded at a median age of 11wks post term (range 9-16wks). Certified and experienced observers assessed the videos by the "Assessment of Motor Repertoire - 2-5Months". Fidgety movements (FMs) were classified as abnormal if absent, sporadic or exaggerated, and as normal if intermittently or continually present. The motor behaviour was evaluated by repertoire of co-existent other movements (age-adequacy) and concurrent motor repertoire. In addition, videos of 215 infants were analyzed by computer and the variability of the spatial center of motion (CSD) was calculated. The Peabody Developmental Motor Scales was used to assess motor development at 12 months. Abnormal FMs, reduced age adequacy, and an abnormal concurrent motor repertoire were significantly associated with lower Gross Motor and Total Motor Quotient (GMQ, TMQ) scores (p<0.05). The CSD was higher in children with TMQ scores <90 (-1SD) than in children with higher TMQ scores (p=0.002). Normal FMs (assessed by Gestalt perception) and a low variability of the spatial center of motion (assessed by computer-based video analysis) predicted higher Peabody scores in 12-month-old infants born in India with a very low birth weight.

High prevalence of abnormal motor repertoire at 3 months corrected age in extremely preterm infants.

To compare early motor repertoire between extremely preterm and term-born infants. An association between the motor repertoire and gestational age and birth weight was explored in extremely preterm infants without severe ultrasound abnormalities. In a multicentre study, the early motor repertoire of 82 infants born extremely preterm (ELGAN:<28 weeks) and/or with extremely low birth weight (ELBW:<1000g) and 87 term-born infants were assessed by the "Assessment of Motor Repertoire - 2 to 5Months" (AMR) which is part of Prechtl's "General Movement Assessment", at 12 weeks post-term age. Fidgety movements were classified as normal if present and abnormal if absent, sporadic or exaggerated. Concurrent motor repertoire was classified as normal if smooth and fluent and abnormal if monotonous, stiff, jerky and/or predominantly fast or slow. Eight-teen ELBW/ELGAN infants had abnormal fidgety movements (8 absent, 7 sporadic and 3 exaggerated fidgety movements) compared with 2 control infants (OR:12.0; 95%CI:2.7-53.4) and 46 ELBW/ELGAN infants had abnormal concurrent motor repertoire compared with 17 control infants (OR:5.3; 95%CI:2.6-10.5). Almost all detailed aspects of the AMR differed between the groups. Results were the same when three infants with severe ultrasound abnormalities were excluded. In the remaining ELBW/ELGAN infants, there was no association between motor repertoire and gestational age or birth weight. ELBW/ELGAN infants had poorer quality of early motor repertoire than term-born infants.The findings were not explained by severe abnormalities on neonatal ultrasound scans and were not correlated to the degree of prematurity. The consequences of these abnormal movement patterns remain to be seen in future follow-up studies.

General movements in genetic disorders: A first look into Cornelia de Lange syndrome

The assessment of General Movements (GMs), i.e. age-specific motor patterns during the first months of life, has repeatedly proven to be a valuable tool to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes. Abnormal spontaneous GMs were found to be among the most reliable markers for cerebral palsy. To add to the knowledge of the abnormal early motor repertoire we analysed prospectively collected video recordings of a boy clinically diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange syndrome. The observed atypical GMs are a further step to disentangle early motor peculiarities in the light of the genetic impact on the developing brain.

Cerebral palsy in children: Movements and postures during early infancy, dependent on preterm vs. full term birth

BackgroundA deviant motor behaviour at age 3 to 5months is predictive of cerebral palsy (CP). Particular features of the early motor repertoire even proved predictive of the degree of functional limitations as classified on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) in children with CP, born preterm. AimsWe aimed to determine whether an association between the early motor repertoire and the GMFCS also holds true for children born at term. Study designLongitudinal study. Subjects79 infants (60 boys and 19 girls; 47 infants born at term; video recorded for the assessment of movements and posture at age 9 to 20weeks postterm age) who developed CP. Outcome measuresThe GMFCS was applied at age 2 to 5years. ResultsMotor optimality at age 3 to 5months showed a significant correlation with functional mobility and activity limitation as classified on the GMFCS at age 2 to 5years in both children born at term (Spearman rho=−0.66, p<0.001) and born preterm (rho=−0.37, p<0.05). Infants born preterm were more likely to show normal movement patterns than infants born at term. A normal posture and an abnormal, jerky (yet not monotonous) movement character resulted in better levels of function and mobility. With the exception of one, none of the infants showed fidgety movements. A cramped-synchronised movement character, repetitive opening and closing of the mouth, and abnormal finger postures characterised children who would show a poor self-mobility later. ConclusionsAssessing the quality of motor performance at 9 to 20weeks postterm age (irrespective of the gestational age) improves our ability to predict later functional limitations in children with CP.

Early motor repertoire is related to level of self‐mobility in children with cerebral palsy at school age

To determine the predictive value of the early motor repertoire for the level of self-mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP) at school age. Video recordings were made at 11 to 17 weeks post-term of 37 preterm infants (20 males, 17 females) who later developed CP. The early motor repertoire was assessed by obtaining a motor optimality score. At 6 to 12 years, children were classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Of 37 children (mean gestational age 29.1wks, SD 1.9; mean birthweight 1273g, SD 324), nine had unilateral and 28 had bilateral spastic CP. Twelve children were in GMFCS level I, three level II, 10 level III, four level IV, and eight level V. The absence of the age-adequate motor repertoire, a cramped motor repertoire, an abnormal kicking pattern, and a non-flat supine posture were associated with lower levels of self-mobility (chi(2) for trend test, p<0.05). Predictive for a low level of self-mobility was a cramped motor repertoire/non-flat supine posture (positive predictive values [PPV] 100%, negative predictive values [NPV] 54%). Predictive for a high level of self-mobility was a non-cramped repertoire/flat supine posture (PPV 80%, NPV 74%). Several aspects of the motor repertoire at 11 to 17 weeks post-term predicted the degree of functional limitations in children with CP at school age.