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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Relationship between early neurological function and motor skills in Brazilian preterm infants: a cross-sectional
Wendy Gabrielle Franca de Sousa1, Ana Luiza Righetto Greco2, Maja de Medeiros3
1Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Estadual de Goiás, Oeste Avenue, Aeroporto Sector, Goiânia, GO, 74075-110, Brazil. wendygabrielle1@gmail.com.
Insights
This study found a strong correlation between neurological function and motor skills in preterm infants. The Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) and Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) can be used for monitoring development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Infant Motor Development
Background:
- Preterm infants face higher risks of neurodevelopmental delays.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing long-term consequences.
- This study focuses on outpatient follow-up of preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the correlation between neurological function and motor skills in preterm infants.
- To evaluate developmental progress between 2 to 6 months corrected age.
- To inform early intervention strategies for preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 50 preterm infants (mean gestational age 32.0 weeks).
- Neurological function assessed using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE).
- Motor development assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS).
Main Results:
- Significant correlations found between HINE categories and AIMS subscales (e.g., posture vs. sitting, r=0.67).
- A strong overall correlation was observed between total HINE and total AIMS scores (r=0.77).
- All correlations were statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Strong correlation exists between neurological function and motor skills in preterm infants.
- HINE and AIMS assessments complement each other.
- HINE can be a valuable standalone assessment tool in resource-limited settings.
Background:
Preterm infants have an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delays, with consequences that may persist in later life. Thus, monitoring their development is needed for early detection and targeted intervention. This study aimed to assess the correlation between neurological function and motor skills in preterm infants from 2 to 6 months of corrected age after hospital discharge in an outpatient follow-up program.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study involved 50 preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 32.0 (± 2.8) weeks and a mean birth weight of 1645.2 (± 576.5) grams. Neurological function and motor development were assessed once between two to six months of corrected age by using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) and Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), respectively. Data on pregnancy, type of delivery, and birth were obtained using interviews with family and medical records. The Spearman correlation coefficient assessed the association between HINE and AIMS scores.
Results:
A significant correlation was found between HINE categories and AIMS subscales: cranial nerve function versus prone (r = 0.55; p < 0.001); posture versus prone (r = 0.69; p < 0.001); posture versus sitting (r = 0.67; p < 0.001); posture versus standing (r = 0.63; p < 0.001); tone versus sitting (r = 0.51; p < 0.001); tone versus standing (r = 0.49; p < 0.001); and total HINE versus total AIMS (r = 0.77; p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
The present study found strong correlation between neurological function and motor skills in preterm infants during the first months of life. Whilst the HINE and AIMS can complete each other, where there are limited resources the HINE may be appropriate to administer as a single assessment.
