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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
[Evaluation of neuromotor development by means of the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test]
Márcia Maria Coelho Oliveira Lopes1, Maria Vera Lúcia Moreira Leitão Cardoso2
1Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
Insights
This study assessed infant neuromotor development using the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT). Most at-risk infants showed good development, but early identification of potential issues was possible.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neuromotor Development
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Follow-up
Context:
- Longitudinal study of 78 infants (55 preterm, 23 term) discharged from a NICU in Fortaleza-CE, Brazil.
- Investigated neuromotor development from 3 to 12 months of age.
- Utilized the Brazilian version of the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT) and a socioeconomic questionnaire.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the neuromotor development of at-risk infants.
- To assess the efficacy of the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT) in identifying developmental deviations.
- To inform early intervention strategies for infants with potential neuromotor deficits.
Summary:
- 91% of infants demonstrated good neuromotor performance.
- Seven premature infants exhibited developmental alterations.
- Three infants were referred for specialized examination and diagnostics based on HINT results.
Impact:
- The Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT) proved effective for nurses in assessing infant development.
- Enabled early identification of neuromotor deviations in at-risk infants.
- Facilitated timely planning and implementation of necessary interventions.
Objective:
To investigate the neuromotor development of at-risk children between three and 12 months of life, administering the Brazilian version of the Harris Infant Neuromotor Test (HINT).
Method:
A longitudinal study, with 78 children and 76 parents/guardians discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit in Fortaleza-CE/Brazil. Two instruments were administered: HINT and a socioeconomic questionnaire, between July/2009 to August/2010. Data from 55 preterm and 23 term children were analyzed.
Results:
The final mean scores ranged from 14.6 to 25.2 and from 11.2 to 24.7, for preterm and term, respectively, showing that 91% of children demonstrated good neuromotor performance; seven premature infants showed alterations which led to the referral of three children to a specialized clinic for examination and diagnostics.
Conclusion:
The test allowed nurses to assess infant development, identify deviations early, and plan interventions.
