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Updated: May 12, 2026
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P50 Sensory Gating in Infants
Published on: December 26, 2013
GMFM in infancy: age-specific limitations and adaptations
Tjitske Hielkema1, Elisa G Hamer, Ilse Ebbers-Dekkers
1Departments of Paediatrics-Developmental Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Summary
The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) has limitations for infants under 2 years old. Adaptations are proposed to improve its use in tracking motor development in high-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Motor development assessment
- Cerebral palsy research
Background:
- The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) is a standard tool for assessing motor function in children with cerebral palsy.
- Its applicability in infants younger than 2 years requires evaluation for longitudinal tracking of motor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the longitudinal applicability of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) in infants under 2 years of age.
- To identify limitations of the GMFM in this age group and propose adaptations.
Main Methods:
- Twelve high-risk infants for cerebral palsy were enrolled between 1 and 9 months corrected age.
- Infants underwent four assessments over one year using the GMFM-66, GMFM-88, and other neuromotor tests.
Main Results:
- Longitudinal GMFM use in infancy was limited by age and function-specific factors.
- The GMFM-66 showed less differentiation at lower motor ability levels.
- The GMFM-88 exhibited curve flattening as motor abilities increased, necessitating adaptations.
Conclusions:
- An adapted version of the GMFM may enhance its utility for infants.
- Further research is needed to validate proposed adaptations, focusing on reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change.
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