Relationship between early neurological function and motor skills in Brazilian preterm infants: a cross-sectional

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 12, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

86.3K

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.

BMC Pediatrics
|August 16, 2025
PubMed

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.
Abstract

Keywords:
Motor skillsNeurodevelopmental disorderNeurological assessmentPrematurityPreterm infant

More Related Videos

A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy10:02

A Battery of Motor Tests in a Neonatal Mouse Model of Cerebral Palsy

Published on: November 3, 2016

24.5K
Quantified Assessment of Infant's Gross Motor Abilities Using a Multisensor Wearable09:24

Quantified Assessment of Infant's Gross Motor Abilities Using a Multisensor Wearable

Published on: May 17, 2024

1.6K

Related Concept Videos

Principles of Development01:31

Principles of Development

Physical development during the prenatal period and early childhood follows two major directional principles: cephalocaudal and proximodistal development. These general patterns happen simultaneously and help explain changes in body proportions and the gradual development of motor skills.Cephalocaudal DevelopmentThe cephalocaudal principle describes development from the head downward toward the lower body. During prenatal development, the head and brain structures develop rapidly before many...
Early Reflexes During Infancy01:26

Early Reflexes During Infancy

Early reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses to specific stimuli and provide information about neurological development during infancy. Some reflexes are present at birth or appear soon afterward. Known as primitive reflexes, they support early survival and adaptation.Primitive ReflexesPrimitive reflexes help newborns respond to their environment before voluntary motor control develops. The rooting reflex causes an infant to turn toward stimulation near the mouth, helping the infant...
Development of Head Control During Infancy01:05

Development of Head Control During Infancy

The control of head posture and movement is an important early milestone in motor development. During the first four months of life, infants gradually learn to stabilize and move their heads against gravity. Head control depends on the gradual strengthening and coordination of the neck, shoulder, and upper trunk muscles.Early Head MovementsAt birth, infants have limited control over their heads because their neck muscles are still weak. While lying on their backs, newborns can usually turn...
Hand Control During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:31

Hand Control During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Hand movements during infancy and toddlerhood develop from broad, relatively uncontrolled actions into increasingly precise fine motor skills. This progression depends on nervous system maturation, improved muscle control, and repeated interaction with objects. Early reflexive movements gradually give way to intentional reaching, grasping, object manipulation, and tool use.Early Grasping SkillsNewborns show a strong palmar grasp reflex, automatically closing their fingers when the palm is...
Locomotion During Infancy and Toddlerhood01:29

Locomotion During Infancy and Toddlerhood

Children develop a wide range of gross motor skills during the first three years, as increasing muscle strength, balance, coordination, and nervous system maturation allow greater control over body movements. Development generally progresses from basic postural control to independent movement and later to activities such as jumping, climbing, and pedaling.Motor Development During the First YearMost infants begin rolling during the first several months, although the timing and direction can vary.
Motor Skills Development During Early Childhood01:30

Motor Skills Development During Early Childhood

Early childhood is a period of rapid motor development in which children refine gross and fine motor skills. These abilities increase independence and support social interaction, play, and learning.Gross Motor SkillsGross motor skills involve coordinated movements of large muscle groups, including running, jumping, and climbing. By about 2.5 years, most children can jump with both feet. Hopping, which requires greater balance and strength, usually emerges around age 4.Stair climbing also...