The role of fidgety movements and early motor repertoire in predicting mobility outcomes in infants with myelomeningocele

Objective

To describe fidgety movements and co-occurring movements and postures in infants with myelomeningocele (MMC) and their association with mobility at preschool ages.

Methods

A retrospective cohort with early assessment via general movement assessment, followed by mobility assessment between 36 and 70 months of age.

Results

Twelve infants were included; 12 of 12 had fidgety movements in the upper limbs, with seven exhibiting them also in the hips and three in both the hips and ankles. The presence of fidgety movements in the lower limbs, kicking, a non-flat posture, a non-monotonous movement character, and a non-absent age-adequate movement repertoire were independently associated with mobility using the Hoffer modified classification and functional mobility scale (FMS) at 5 and 50 m. An optimality score was calculated based on leg movements and postures, ranging from 0 to 10 points. Infants who scored at least 4 points achieved household ambulation and FMS (5 m) of at least level 4. Community ambulation and an FMS (50 m) of level 5 were achieved with a score of at least 7.5.

Conclusions

Assessing fidgety movements with other leg movements and postures in infants with MMC provided relevant information that could potentially predict mobility at preschool age and thus could be used for early intervention planning.