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The relationship between the scarf ratio and subsequent motor performance in infants born preterm
1School of Physiotherapy (R.L., J.C.), Curtin University of Technology, Shenton Park, Western Australia and School of Physiotherapy (R.L.), Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
The scarf ratio, a measure of shoulder muscle tone, positively correlates with later motor skills in preterm infants. This finding suggests its potential as an early indicator for developmental monitoring in at-risk newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal development
- Motor control in infants
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Preterm infants are at higher risk for developmental delays.
- Early identification of motor deficits is crucial for timely intervention.
- Shoulder girdle muscle tone may influence overall motor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the scarf ratio and subsequent motor performance in Thai preterm infants.
- To determine if the scarf ratio can serve as a predictive measure for motor development.
- To assess the utility of the scarf ratio in identifying infants at risk for motor delays.
Main Methods:
- The study included 61 Thai infants born preterm.
- The scarf ratio was measured at 36 and 40 weeks postconceptional age (PCA).
- Motor performance was assessed using the Test of Infant Motor Performance at 40 weeks PCA and 1-4 months adjusted age.
Main Results:
- Significant positive correlations were found between the scarf ratio and later motor performance.
- A higher scarf ratio was associated with better subsequent motor outcomes.
- The scarf ratio demonstrated predictive value for motor development in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- The scarf ratio is a potentially valuable and easily measurable indicator of shoulder girdle muscle tone.
- This measure may help identify preterm infants at risk for motor delays.
- The scarf ratio could aid in early developmental screening and intervention planning for preterm infants.
Abstract:
The relationship between the scarf ratio and subsequent motor performance in Thai infants born preterm was the focus of this study. The scarf ratio was measured in 61 infants at 36 and 40 weeks postconceptional age (PCA). At 40 weeks PCA, one-, two-, three-, and four-months adjusted age, the infants were evaluated using the Test of Infant Motor Performance. Pearson product moment correlations revealed significant positive correlations between the scarf ratio and the infants' later motor performance. Because the scarf ratio can be a useful measure of shoulder girdle muscle tone, it may provide a valuable indicator of subsequent motor performance in infants born preterm who might be considered to be at risk for developmental delay.
