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Responsiveness of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) in infants born preterm
Rachel Unanue Rose1, Sarah L Westcott
1Department of Physical Therapy, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, RMSB 387, 1705 University Boulevard, AL 35294-1212. UnanueR@uab.edu
Insights
The Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) effectively tracks motor skill development in preterm infants. However, infant characteristics did not predict changes in TIMP scores, suggesting further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal development
- Pediatric physical therapy
Background:
- Preterm infants face developmental challenges.
- Early motor assessment is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the responsiveness of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) in preterm infants.
- To identify infant variables predicting changes in TIMP scores.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five infants (gestational age ≤30 weeks) were assessed using TIMP at 32 and 36 weeks postconceptional age (PCA).
- Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, ANOVAs, correlations, and regression.
Main Results:
- TIMP scores significantly improved from 32 to 36 weeks PCA.
- A significant time effect was observed across risk groups.
- No significant correlations were found between infant variables and TIMP score changes.
Conclusions:
- The TIMP demonstrates responsiveness to motor changes in preterm infants.
- The TIMP did not differentiate based on risk classification.
- Infant variables did not predict TIMP score changes; larger studies are recommended.
Purpose:
The responsiveness of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) was examined in infants born preterm. Infant variables predictive of changes in TIMP scores were also identified.
Methods:
Twenty-five infants born
Results:
TIMP scores significantly increased between 32 and 36 weeks PCA. A significant effect of time for risk groups was found. No significant correlations between infant variables and TIMP score changes were revealed.
Conclusions:
The TIMP was responsive to changes in infants born preterm but did not discriminate based on risk classification. The infant variables did not predict changes in TIMP scores. Further research with a larger sample size is warranted.
