Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
General Movements: A Behavioral Biomarker of Later Motor and Cognitive Dysfunction in NICU Graduates
Insights
The General Movement Assessment can identify neurological issues in high-risk infants. Early detection aids in managing potential motor and cognitive difficulties for better developmental outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric neurology
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Graduates of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) face increased risks of developmental delays.
- Early identification of motor and cognitive difficulties in these infants is crucial but challenging.
- The General Movement Assessment (GMA) shows promise for early detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the application of the General Movement Assessment in high-risk infants.
- To discuss the practical implementation of the General Movement Assessment in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies utilizing the General Movement Assessment in high-risk infant populations.
- Discussion of clinical implementation strategies for the General Movement Assessment.
Main Results:
- The General Movement Assessment is a reliable, low-cost tool for detecting abnormal neurological development in infants.
- Evidence supports the use of GMA for early identification of developmental risks in NICU graduates.
Conclusions:
- The General Movement Assessment is a valuable tool for monitoring high-risk infants post-NICU discharge.
- Wider implementation of the General Movement Assessment in the United States is recommended to improve early detection and intervention for developmental challenges.
Abstract:
Infants who have graduated from a neonatal intensive care unit require close follow-up because they have a greater chance of experiencing later motor and cognitive difficulties; however, these difficulties are often challenging to identify at an early age. The General Movement Assessment is a low-cost and highly reliable tool that can indicate abnormal neurological development in young high-risk infants, but it has not yet been widely implemented in the United States. In this review, we discuss the literature about the use of the General Movement Assessment in high-risk infants and how to implement the tool in a clinical setting. [Pediatr Ann. 2018;47(4):e159-e164.].
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cognition and Behavior
Causes of Social Behavior II: Cognitive Processes
Cognitive Dissonance
Anatomical Movements
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist,...
What is Behavior?
The Movement of Organelles and Vesicles

