Early general movements are associated with developmental outcomes at 4.5–5 years

Abstract Background Prechtl's general movements assessment (GMA) post-term has high predictive validity for cerebral palsy, but less is known about whether earlier GMA, including before term, are associated with other developmental problems. Aims To examine the relationships between GMA prior to term and at term-equivalent, with developmental outcomes at 4.5–5 years' corrected age. Study design Prospective cohort study. Subjects 122 very preterm infants born Outcome measures GMA (categorised as ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’) were assessed at Results Prior to term, abnormal GMA at the first two timepoints were associated with lower scores on the Little DCD-Q, and abnormal GMA at the second and third timepoints with lower quality of life scores and PEDI-CAT mobility domain scores. Abnormal GMA at term-equivalent were associated with lower MABC-2, mobility and quality of life scores for preterm infants, and worse social/cognitive domain scores for both groups. Conclusions Abnormal GMA prior to term and at term-equivalent are associated with worse motor, functional and cognitive outcomes at 4.5–5 years' corrected age, and may be useful to identify infants for developmental surveillance/early intervention.