General spontaneous movements in preterm infants differentiated by post-conceptional ages

The aim of the study was to assess general spontaneous motor development in the neonatal phase in groups of neonatal high-risk preterm infants who were differentiated by post-conceptional (PCo) age until term age.

The sample included 54 preterm infants (<32 weeks of gestational age) with low birthweight and neurological injuries of both sexes. The General Movements Assessment (GMA) was used to evaluate motor development from 30 to 40 weeks of PCo age, using the General Movements Optimality Score (GMOS). Between-group and within-group comparisons were performed.

Significant differences in GMOS scores and the upper extremities score, specifically in the neck and trunk, were found between 30 and 33 weeks, 34 and 36 weeks, and 38 and 40 weeks of PCo age. Preterm infants had gradually higher GMOSs from 30 weeks of PCo age to term age (38-40 weeks of PCo age). No significant differences in general movements were found between 30 and 33 and 34 and 36 weeks of PCo age.

The preterm infants presented poor spontaneous motor movements, assessed by the GMOS, but gradual improvement was observed from 30 weeks of PCo age until term age.