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Predicting Age of Independent Walking in Preterm Infants: A Longitudinal Study Using Neonatal Characteristics and
Noppharath Sangkarit1,2, Weerasak Tapanya1,2, Arunrat Srithawong1,2
1Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.
Insights
An equation using gestational age, 10-month Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) scores, and birth head circumference can predict independent walking onset in preterm infants, aiding early developmental assessments.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Motor Development
Background:
- Preterm infants, particularly those born moderately to late preterm (32-36 weeks), often experience developmental delays.
- Predicting the onset of independent walking is crucial for monitoring gross motor development and identifying potential issues early.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a predictive equation for estimating the age of independent walking in moderate to late preterm infants.
- To identify key neonatal characteristics and early gross motor milestones that influence walking onset.
Main Methods:
- Sixty infants born between 32 to 36 weeks gestation were enrolled.
- Gross motor development was assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS).
- Neonatal data and caregiver-reported walking onset were collected; multiple regression analysis was used to formulate the prediction equation.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation (r=0.707) was found for the prediction equation.
- The equation, incorporating gestational age (GA), 10-month AIMS score (10th AIMS), and birth head circumference (BHC), explained 50.0% of the variance in walking onset.
- The developed equation is: age of independent walking (months) = 33.157 - 0.296(GA) - 0.132(10th AIMS) - 0.196(BHC), with an estimation error of 0.631 months.
Conclusions:
- Gestational age at birth, 10-month Alberta Infant Motor Scale scores, and birth head circumference are significant predictors of independent walking onset in preterm infants.
- This equation provides a valuable tool for clinicians to estimate and monitor motor development milestones in this population.
Objective:
To formulate an equation estimating months to independent walking in moderate to late preterm infants based on neonatal characteristics and gross motor development from 7 months to independent walking.
Methods:
Sixty infants born between 32 to 36 weeks were assessed using Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) for gross motor development. Neonatal characteristics were recorded at 7 months, and caregiver-reported independent walking onset. Pearson correlation analyzed age, AIMS scores, and neonatal factors. Multiple regression developed the prediction equation.
Results:
The equation for independent walking onset, which included gestational age (GA) at birth, total AIMS score at 10 months of age (10th AIMS), and birth head circumference (BHC), exhibited a strong correlation (r=0.707) and had a predictive power of 50.0%. The equation is as follows: age onset of independent walking (months)=33.157, -0.296 (GA), -0.132 (10th AIMS), -0.196 (BHC), with an estimation error of 0.631 months.
Conclusion:
Neonatal characteristics, such as GA, 10th AIMS, and BHC, are key determinants in estimating the onset of independent walking in moderate to late preterm infants.
