Movement analysis and developmental outcome

Baby wearing a movement sensor

We support important translational research in two related aspects of neuro-development and outcome in preterm and term infants:

1) Assessing movements in preterm infants: do babies natural movements (mainly arms and legs) tell us whether they are at risk of developing cerebral palsy

2) How do we improve outcome for term infants who have had a neonatal stroke (eTiPS study)

We hope that knowledge gained in these areas will work synergistically.

Movement assessment for preterm and high risk infants. We are trying to learn more about how premature and other ‘high risk’ babies move. Babies who are born very prematurely or those who may have a suffered lack of oxygen before, during or immediately after birth are at more risk of developing difficulties with the development of motor skills (reaching, rolling, sitting, walking and co-ordination). It is challenging to identify which babies are most at risk of problems at an early stage.

We are using a combination of video recordings, neurological assessments, scan results and developmental assessments to help us learn more. We are trying to identify which babies are likely to be most at risk of developing motor skill difficulties so we can offer early intervention, develop appropriate follow-up pathways and facilitate appropriate referral to community services.

Importantly, we are also hoping to identify those infants who are developing typically (with no sign of difficulty) so that we can reassure parents regarding their infant’s progress.

Motor Assessment of preterm infants: A comparison between the Lacey Assessment of Preterm Infants (LAPI) and Prechtl’s General Movements (GM) Assessment.

We will use information collected during routine assessments to help us to establish which assessments are most helpful to identify babies who may require early therapy intervention. We are inviting infants who have been born prematurely (under 30 weeks gestation) and who are currently in-patients on the Special Care Baby Unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle to take part. We will recruit 110 participants in total. If you would like to learn more about our research then please contact us.
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Investigating Team:

Mrs Claire Marcroft and Mrs Patricia Dulson (Clinical Specialist Physiotherapists), Dr Jennifer Dixon (Specialty Doctor in Neonates), Dr Anna Purna Basu (NIHR Career Development Fellow and Honorary Consultant Paediatric Neurologist) and Dr Nicholas Embleton (Consultant Neonatal Paediatrician)

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Movement recognition captures and analyzes limb movements through computerized approaches focusing on continuous, objective, and quantitative assessment.

Different methods of recording and analyzing infant movements have recently been explored in high risk infants. These range from camera-based solutions to body-worn miniaturized movement sensors used to record continuous time-series data that represent the dynamics of limb movements. Various machine learning methods have been developed and applied to the analysis of the recorded movement data.

The application of this technology may lead to a greater understanding of the development of the nervous system in infants at high risk of motor impairment.

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The E-Tips study is a home based intervention for babies affected by perinatal stroke. Families involved will be given developmental resources relevant to their baby's condition and additional support and advice throughout. We are also collecting some data on the development of babies who have not had a stroke.

Click on the logo above for further information.

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Early intervention to improve hand function in hemiplegic cerebral palsy