Sequence comparison methodology for the analysis of movement patterns in infants and toddlers with and without motor...

In an attempt to quantify the theoretical construct quality of movement, a set of measurable constructs were identified by subject matter experts, and a scale (the Toddler and Infant Motor Evaluation [TIME]) incorporating those constructs was developed and pilot tested. Sequence comparison data analysis methodology was examined for its applicability to examining series of movements. The study sample consisted of randomly selected children from a pilot edition of the scale. Because research indicates that specific individual positions cannot provide an accurate indication of the normalcy or dysfunction of the motor performance of infants and toddlers, this study researched the ability of series of movement positions in each of five postures (prone, supine, sit, quadruped, and stand) to discriminate between normal and atypical motor development. It was hypothesized that children with motor delays would demonstrate different sequences of movements than children without motor delays. The findings confirmed the hypothesis, because in this sample there was a significant difference in the performance of children with developmental delays in motor abilities compared with that of children who had normal movement abilities. Children with motor delays had poorer mobility, which was characterized by fewer transitions between movement patterns than children with normal motor abilities.