The Prechtl General Movement Assessment, or GMA, is an observational method used to check on the neurological development of infants. This non-invasive technique involves a trained professional evaluating the quality of a baby’s spontaneous movements. These movements are natural and not prompted by any external stimulation, like a toy or a parent’s touch.
The Purpose of the Assessment
The primary reason for performing the General Movement Assessment is the early identification of infants who might be at an increased risk for neurodevelopmental conditions. It is recognized for its ability to predict the likelihood of cerebral palsy, often with a high degree of accuracy. By spotting potential issues early, the assessment allows for timely support and intervention, which can improve outcomes for infants and their families.
This proactive tool is timed to capture distinct developmental stages. The first period is the “writhing” phase, followed by the “fidgety” period. Assessing movement quality during these specific windows provides valuable information about the integrity of the central nervous system.
An assessment may be recommended if a baby was born prematurely or experienced complications like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. It is a cost-effective and reliable method for gaining insight into a baby’s neurological health. The goal is to identify the need for supportive services at the earliest possible stage, when interventions are most impactful.
What the Assessment Involves
The General Movement Assessment is a straightforward process for parents and their child. The procedure is non-invasive and painless, involving no physical manipulation. It is based purely on observation to ensure the baby’s comfort.
The core of the assessment is a short video recording, lasting between three and five minutes. To capture the necessary movements, the infant is filmed while lying on their back, usually on a mat on the floor. The baby should be awake, calm, and content during the recording.
To ensure the movements observed are spontaneous, the infant should be lightly dressed and not engaged with toys, pacifiers, or caregivers. This video is then analyzed by a professional with specific training and certification in the Prechtl method. Healthcare providers may record the video in a clinical setting, or parents may be asked to record it at home and send it securely for analysis.
Analyzing General Movements
General movements are not random twitches or reflexes; they are distinct, spontaneous patterns that involve the entire body. These movements are complex and change as the infant’s nervous system matures. Assessors are trained to recognize the quality of these movements as an indicator of neurological function.
During the first few months of life, two main types of general movements are evaluated. From birth until around nine weeks post-term, the focus is on “writhing” movements. Normal writhing is characterized by its complexity and variability, appearing elegant and flowing. Abnormal patterns are identified by their lack of these qualities, such as monotonous “poor repertoire” movements or stiff and rigid “cramped-synchronized” movements.
Beginning around nine weeks and lasting until about 20 weeks, the assessment shifts to observing “fidgety” movements. Normal fidgety movements are small, continuous, and graceful motions of the neck, trunk, and limbs that occur while the infant is awake and settled. The persistent absence of these specific movements is considered the most significant predictor of later neurological issues.
Understanding the Results
Following the analysis of the video, findings are classified as either normal or abnormal. A normal result is highly reassuring and serves as a strong indicator of typical neurological development, suggesting the infant’s central nervous system is maturing as expected.
An abnormal result, however, is not a diagnosis. It is an indicator that the infant requires closer monitoring and may benefit from support for an increased risk of a developmental disorder. The assessment is often used alongside other evaluations to build a complete picture of the baby’s health.
The primary step following an abnormal finding is initiating early intervention. This involves referring the infant to specialists, such as pediatric physical or occupational therapists. These professionals can provide targeted therapies and guidance designed to support the baby’s motor development and improve long-term outcomes.