Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy
Published on: November 3, 2016
Concurrent validity of the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale
Lillian Tse1, Tanja A Mayson, Sara Leo
1Vancouver Community, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, BC, Canada. ltse@shaw.ca
Insights
The Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT) demonstrates concurrent validity with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale, confirming its effectiveness in identifying infant motor delays. This supports HINT as a reliable tool for assessing infant neuromotor development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Motor Development Assessment
Background:
- Accurate infant motor screening is crucial for early identification of developmental delays.
- Existing tools like the Alberta Infant Motor Scale are widely used.
- The Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT) is a newer measure requiring validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the concurrent validity of the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT) against the Alberta Infant Motor Scale.
- To assess the HINT's reliability in identifying motor delays in infants.
Main Methods:
- Concurrent validity was assessed in 121 Canadian infants.
- The Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT) and Alberta Infant Motor Scale scores were compared.
- Statistical analysis included correlation coefficients (r) at different age points.
Main Results:
- Strong negative correlations were found between HINT and Alberta Infant Motor Scale: r = -.83 (4-6.5 months) and r = -.85 (10-12.5 months).
- Both correlations were statistically significant (p < .01).
- These findings suggest the HINT is a valid measure for detecting motor delays.
Conclusions:
- The Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT) shows strong concurrent validity, supporting its use in clinical practice.
- Both HINT and Alberta Infant Motor Scale have unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Practitioners should select the infant motor assessment tool that best suits their specific needs.
Abstract:
We examined concurrent validity of scores for two infant motor screening tools, the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT) and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale, in 121 Canadian infants. Relationships between the two tests for the overall sample were as follows: r = -.83 at 4 to 6.5 months (n = 121; p < .01) and r = -.85 at 10 to 12.5 months (n = 109; p < .01), suggesting that the HINT, the newer of the two measures, is valid in determining motor delays. Each test has advantages and disadvantages, and practitioners should determine which one best meets their infant assessment needs.
