Motor development of preterm and term infants - Using the alberta infant motor scale

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the motor development of infants born preterm and term at four and six months of age, applying the Alberta Infant Motor Scale AIMS-Brazilian version. Methods: Longitudinal, comparative study, conducted in Fortaleza, Ceara, between November/2009 and May/2010. A convenience sample was used, consisting of 24 preterm and 24 term infants. Results: In children aged four months, there was a statistically significant difference in the standing position (p = 0.014) and in six months in all positions (prone, supine, sitting, standing) and total scores. In terms of the percentile, at four and six months respectively, 37.5% of preterm infants showed excellent performance and 54.2%, normal performance. Conclusion: Statistical analysis of gross motor performance between groups of children studied showed differences in the development and evolution of the percentiles of AIMS.