Are abnormal fidgety movements an early marker for complex minor neurological dysfunction at puberty?

Prechtl's method on the qualitative assessment of general movements (GMs) is a powerful tool for early and specific prediction of cerebral palsy. However, it is uncertain whether the GM assessment can be used to predict mild neurological impairment.

To determine whether the quality of general movements (GMs) from the age of 3 to 5 months, i.e. fidgety movements, is related to the presence of complex minor neurological dysfunctions (MND) 13 to 15 years later.

Prospectively collected data on the quality of GMs during infancy were retrospectively analysed on the basis of MND at puberty.

Twenty-eight participants (14 girls and 14 boys) with a median gestational age of 40 weeks (range: 35 to 42 weeks) and an appropriate birth weight (median 3390 g; range 1900 to 4200 g).

Touwen's neurological examination.

Abnormal fidgety movements were not related to later complex MND, but to fine manipulative disabilities (p<0.05). Normal fidgety movements, which are continually present in the whole body, might be required for optimal calibration of the proprioceptive system.