General Movement Assessment in Babies Born Preterm: Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R), Trajectory, and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Neonatology

Background:

• Preterm infants (≤32 weeks) are at high risk for neurodevelopmental impairments.
• Early identification of neurodevelopmental outcomes is crucial for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between General Movement Assessment (GMA) findings, including Motor Optimality Scores-Revised (MOS-R), and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
• To evaluate the predictive value of GMA and MOS-R for neuromotor outcome at 9 months and 1 year of corrected age.

Main Methods:

• Serial GMA videos were recorded in preterm infants (≤32 weeks) at multiple time points: day 7, 35, 40 weeks postmenstrual age, and 16 weeks corrected age.
• Neuromotor outcome was assessed using the Amiel-Tison Neurological Assessment at 9 months and the Developmental Assessment Scales for Indian Infants (DASII) at 1 year of corrected age.
• Statistical analyses included Spearman correlation, Fisher exact tests, and ordinal regression.

Main Results:

• Moderate correlations were found between MOS-R and DASII motor and mental DQs (r=0.70 and r=0.65, respectively).
• GMA trajectory between 35-40 weeks was associated with DASII motor DQ and Amiel-Tison scores.
• MOS-R at 16 weeks corrected age was a significant predictor of motor DQ at 1 year (OR -0.59).

Conclusions:

• General Movement Assessment (GMA), including MOS-R scores, is associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in Indian preterm infants.
• These findings are consistent with those from high-income countries, suggesting universal applicability.
• GMA can facilitate early intervention strategies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with limited resources.