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Dynamics of changes in motor development depending on the quality in the 3rd month of life

Ewa Gajewska1, Mariusz Naczk2, Alicja Naczk3

  • 1Department of Developmental Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.

Frontiers in Public Health
|October 3, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Early motor development assessments at 3 months can predict developmental milestones and identify children at risk of cerebral palsy (CP). Timely evaluation of motor skills is crucial for early intervention in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Motor development in infancy is critical for achieving developmental milestones.
  • Early identification of developmental delays or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy (CP) is essential for timely intervention.
  • Assessing both quantitative and qualitative motor skills provides a comprehensive view of infant development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if quantitative and qualitative motor development at 3 months of age can predict future developmental milestones.
  • To investigate the potential of early motor assessments as an indicator for children at risk of cerebral palsy (CP).
  • To establish the correlation between early motor assessments and later developmental outcomes, including CP diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 93 infants (69 full-term) were assessed for quantitative and qualitative motor development at 3 months.
  • Subsequent quantitative assessments were conducted at 4.5, 7, and 12 months of age.
  • Infants suspected of CP were followed until 18 months for diagnostic confirmation.

Main Results:

  • A correct qualitative assessment at 3 months (achieving quadrangle of support and symmetrical support) predicted appropriate development at 4.5 months (creeping, assuming crawl position) and walking by 12 months.
  • Deviations from expected motor patterns at 3 months indicated delayed development or a high probability of CP diagnosis by 18 months.
  • A strong correlation was observed between early qualitative motor assessments and subsequent quantitative development, with low scores at 3 months indicating a probable CP diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Quantitative and qualitative motor development assessments at 3 months are key predictors of achieving developmental milestones.
  • Early motor assessments serve as a valuable early warning signal for identifying infants at risk of cerebral palsy (CP).
  • Timely and accurate assessment of infant motor skills facilitates early diagnosis and intervention for developmental disorders.

Keywords:
3rd monthinfantmotor developmentqualitative assessmentquantitative assessment

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