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Changes in General Movements During Early Intensive Rehabilitation in High-Risk Infants with Structural Brain Injury:
Svetislav Polovina1, Andrea Polovina1, Jelena Erceg1
1Polyclinic "Prof. dr. sc. Milena Stojčević Polovina", Svetice 36, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Early intensive rehabilitation for high-risk infants showing abnormal writhing movements (WMs) improved motor skills. The Early Intensive Stojčević-Polovina Rehabilitation Method (EIR-SPM) showed positive changes in general movements (GMs) and motor optimality scores.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Abnormal general movements (GMs) in high-risk infants are key early indicators of cerebral palsy (CP) and neurodevelopmental disorders.
- The Early Intensive Stojčević-Polovina Rehabilitation Method (EIR-SPM) is designed for infants at risk of CP, initiating intervention within the first three months of corrected age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe changes in GM quality over time in high-risk infants undergoing EIR-SPM.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of EIR-SPM initiated during the writhing movement (WM) period.
Main Methods:
- Eight high-risk infants with abnormal WMs and brain injury received EIR-SPM between 41 and 47 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) until 60 weeks PMA.
- Assessments included Prechtl's General Movements Assessment (GMA), Detailed GM score, and Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R).
Main Results:
- GM patterns shifted, with some infants transitioning from cramped-synchronized (CS) to poor repertoire (PR).
- In the fidgety period, improvements were noted in fidgety movement (FM) classifications (F+ and sFM increased).
- Median MOS-R scores significantly increased from 17.0 to 19.5 (p=0.027), indicating improved motor optimality.
Conclusions:
- EIR-SPM initiated during the writhing period shows promise in improving motor repertoire in high-risk infants.
- Preliminary findings suggest positive motor outcomes, but larger controlled studies are necessary for confirmation.
