Thomas Valentin1, Karin Uhl, Christa Einspieler. 1. Developmental Neurology and Developmental Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiological Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21, 8010 Graz, Austria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prechtl's method on the qualitative assessment of general movements (GMs) is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for the assessment of the integrity of the young nervous system. AIM: To find out whether the ability to assess GMs correctly could be gained after receiving a few days' standardised training. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated 700 scoring sheets (containing a total of 8019 assessments) from the final tests of 18 training courses held between 1997 and 2002. RESULTS: Eighty-three per cent of the assessments were correct after completing a 4- to 5-day training course. The correct discrimination between normal and abnormal GMs was 92%. It proved more difficult to assess infants correctly if they had been recorded around term age. CONCLUSION: Standardised training courses enable professionals in the field of infant and child neurology to apply Prechtl's method of GM assessment accurately.
BACKGROUND: Prechtl's method on the qualitative assessment of general movements (GMs) is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for the assessment of the integrity of the young nervous system. AIM: To find out whether the ability to assess GMs correctly could be gained after receiving a few days' standardised training. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated 700 scoring sheets (containing a total of 8019 assessments) from the final tests of 18 training courses held between 1997 and 2002. RESULTS: Eighty-three per cent of the assessments were correct after completing a 4- to 5-day training course. The correct discrimination between normal and abnormal GMs was 92%. It proved more difficult to assess infants correctly if they had been recorded around term age. CONCLUSION: Standardised training courses enable professionals in the field of infant and child neurology to apply Prechtl's method of GM assessment accurately.
Authors: Ragnhild Støen; Nils Thomas Songstad; Inger Elisabeth Silberg; Toril Fjørtoft; Alexander Refsum Jensenius; Lars Adde Journal: Pediatr Res Date: 2017-07-26 Impact factor: 3.756