Clinimetric properties of the alberta infant motor scale in infants born preterm.
OBJECTIVE
The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is a standardized motor assessment for young infants. This study aimed to examine the reliability of the AIMS in a group of infants born at or before 29 weeks of gestation.


METHODS
Fifty-nine infants born preterm were recruited. Two experienced pediatric physical therapists participated in this reliability study. Infants were assessed at 4, 8, 12, and 18 months corrected age (CA).


RESULTS
Intrarater reliability was high (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > or =0.99). The ICC for interrater reliability varied from 0.85 to 0.97. The ICC was low at 4 and 18 months CA.


CONCLUSIONS
The AIMS is reliable in evaluating motor development in infants born preterm. Clinicians should be cautious about using the AIMS in infants at very young ages and those approaching independent ambulation. Accurate placement of the window on a movement repertoire is crucial. Attention is required when using the AIMS in infants developing atypically.
Pin
Tamis W
TW
Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia.
de Valle
Katy
K
Eldridge
Bev
B
Galea
Mary P
MP
D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies