The Neuro-Sensory Motor Developmental Assessment Part II: Predictive and Concurrent Validity

Area of Science:

• Developmental Pediatrics
• Neuroscience
• Infant Assessment Tools

Background:

• A progressive evaluation tool for infants and children was needed.
• The Neuro-sensory Motor Developmental Assessment (NSMDA) was developed to address this need.
• Part One of this paper detailed the NSMDA's content and administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide statistical evidence for the validity of the NSMDA.
• To verify the NSMDA's predictive and concurrent validity.
• To assess the optimal age for NSMDA use in predicting developmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

• The NSMDA was administered to 148 preterm infants at 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 months.
• Developmental outcomes were assessed at 24 months.
• Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate validity and identify optimal assessment ages.

Main Results:

• Early NSMDA scores showed significant correlation with 24-month developmental outcomes.
• The NSMDA demonstrated predictive validity (sensitivity/specificity) and concurrent validity.
• The 8-month assessment was the most effective for discriminating normal versus abnormal developmental status.

Conclusions:

• The NSMDA is a valid tool for assessing neuro-sensory motor development in infants.
• The 8-month NSMDA assessment provides the optimal window for predicting long-term developmental trajectories in preterm infants.
• This study supports the use of the NSMDA for early identification of developmental concerns.