Implementation of Early Diagnosis and Intervention Guidelines for Cerebral Palsy in a High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Clinic

Application of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination in the developmental follow-up of high-risk infants

AIM

To investigate the independent influences affecting the global score of the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) in the early life of high-risk infants and to provide evidence for early effective screening and for evaluating interventions.

METHOD

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 258 high-risk infants assessed by the HINE and Gesell Developmental Diagnosis Schedule at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months corrected age. A multiple linear regression model was developed to investigate independent influences on HINE global score at 3 months corrected age. The accuracy of the HINE global score was analysed by calculating the discriminant, concurrent, and predictive validities according to ages.

RESULTS

There were nine independent influences affecting the HINE global score at 3 months corrected age in high-risk infants. The discriminant, concurrent, and predictive validities of the HINE for gross motor developmental delays at 12 months corrected age were all statistically significant (p < 0.05).

INTERPRETATION

Different neonatal clinical settings are related to the HINE global score of high-risk infants early in life. The HINE can be used for longitudinal monitoring of neurological development in the first year of life in a typical Chinese clinical setting and the findings at all four ages tested relate to neuromotor outcomes at 12 months corrected age.

Hammersmith

目的

探讨影响高危儿生命早期Hammersmith婴儿神经学检查(HINE)总分的独立影响因素，并为早期有效筛查和评估干预疗效提供证据。

方法

我们对258名高危儿进行了前瞻性队列研究，分别在矫正3、6、9 和12月龄时接受了 HINE和Gesell发育诊断表的评估。一个多元线性回归模型被建立以探究矫正3月龄时HINE总分的独立影响因素。通过计算不同年龄段的区分效度、同时效度和预测效度，分析HINE 总分的准确性。

结果

高危儿HINE总分在矫正3月龄时有9个独立影响因素。在矫正2月龄时，HINE总分对粗大运动发育迟缓的区分效度、同时效度和预测效度均有统计学意义(P < 0.05)。

结果

不同的新生儿临床状况与其生命早期HINE总分有关。在典型的中国临床环境中，HINE可用于纵向监测高危儿出生后第一年的神经系统发育情况，而且四个年龄段的筛查结果都与矫正12月龄时的神经运动发育结果有关。

Prioritized strategies to improve diagnosis and early management of cerebral palsy for both Māori and non-Māori families

AIM

To identify prioritized strategies to support improvements in early health service delivery around the diagnosis and management of cerebral palsy (CP) for both Māori and non-Māori individuals.

METHOD

Using a participatory approach, health care professionals and the parents of children with CP attended co-design workshops on the topic of early diagnosis and management of CP. Health design researchers facilitated two 'discovery' (sharing experiences and ideas) and two 'prototyping' (solution-focused) workshops in Aotearoa, New Zealand. A Māori health service worker co-facilitated workshops for Māori families.

RESULTS

Between 7 and 13 participants (14 health care professionals, 12 parents of children with CP across all functional levels) attended each workshop. The discovery workshops revealed powerful stories about early experiences and needs within clinician-family communication and service provision. The prototyping workshops revealed priorities around communication, and when, what, and how information is provided to families; recommendations were co-created around what should be prioritized within a resource to aid health care navigation.

INTERPRETATION

There is a critical need for improved communication, support, and guidance, as well as education, for families navigating their child with CP through the health care system. Further input from families and health care professionals partnering together will continue to guide strategies to improve health care service delivery using experiences as a mechanism for change.

Hybrid developmental follow-up for preterm infants in Brazil: A feasibility study

INTRODUCTION

The low attendance of families in child developmental follow-up programs for at-risk preterm children is a challenge in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the feasibility of implementing a developmental follow-up program for Brazilian preterm infants in a hybrid format.

METHODS

This is an observational, prospective cohort study, involving preterm infants. Longitudinal developmental test results, the participation frequency in the program, and the number of referrals to early intervention programs were used to assess feasibility. The General Movements (GMs) assessment, Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and, Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children (SWYC) Milestones were administered via telehealth. The Bayley-III was administered in-person.

RESULTS

Thirty-four preterm infants attended the follow-up until 12 months of corrected age and 18 (52.9 %) concluded all follow-up assessments. Twenty-six (76.5 %) attended all assessments via telehealth, and 26 (76.5 %) attended the in-person assessment. Eighteen (52.9 %) infants showed at least one altered result in development tests. Infants exhibiting abnormal results in the GMs assessment, motor developmental delay according to the AIMS, or developmental delay based on Balley-III were promptly referred to early intervention services.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated high participation rate and low dropout in a developmental follow-up program employing a hybrid format. The substantial number of identified infants with developmental delay emphasizes the importance of timely detection of motor delays to referral to early intervention services.

Racial and geographic disparities in neonatal brain care

In this review, we explore race-based disparities in neonatology and their impact on brain injury and neurodevelopmental outcomes. We discuss the historical context of healthcare discrimination, focusing on the post-Civil War era and the segregation of healthcare facilities. We highlight the increasing disparity in infant mortality rates between Black and White infants, with premature birth being a major contributing factor, and emphasize the role of prenatal factors such as metabolic syndrome and toxic stress in affecting neonatal health. Furthermore, we examine the geographic and historical aspects of racial disparities, including the consequences of redlining and limited access to healthcare facilities or nutritious food options in Black communities. Finally, we delve into the higher incidence of brain injuries in Black neonates, as well as disparities in adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. This evidence underscores the need for comprehensive efforts to address systemic racism and provide equitable access to healthcare resources.

Automated detection of abnormal general movements from pressure and positional information in hospitalized infants

BACKGROUND

Prechtl's general movements assessment (GMA) allows visual recognition of movement patterns that, when abnormal (cramped synchronized, or CS), have very high sensitivity in predicting later neuromotor disorders; however, training requirements and subjective perceptions from some clinicians may hinder universal adoption of the GMA in the newborn period.

METHODS

To address this, we used a three-phased approach to design a preliminary and clinically-oriented approach to automated CS GMA detection. 335 hospitalized infants were dually recorded on video and a pressure-sensor mat that collected time, spatial, and pressure data. Video recordings were scored by advanced GMA readers. We then conducted a series of unsupervised machine learning and supervised classification modeling with features extracted from clinician- and mat-driven datasets. Finally, the resulting algorithm was converted to a software interface.

RESULTS

A classification model combining normalization, clustering, and decision tree modeling resulted in the highest sensitivity for CS movements (100%). Results were delivered via the software interface within 20 min of data recording.

CONCLUSION

The combination of clinical research, machine learning, and repurposing of existing sensor mat technology produced a feasible preliminary approach to automatically detect abnormal GMA in infants while still in the NICU. Further refinements of software and algorithms are needed.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Machine learning can differentiate cramped synchronized general movement patterns in the neonatal intensive care unit with good sensitivity and specificity. Increasing access to the GMA through automated detection methods may allow for earlier identification of a greater number of children at high risk for movement delay. Large studies leveraging new artificial intelligence approaches could increase the impact of such detection.

Implementation of remote general movement assessment using the in-motion instructions in a high-risk norwegian cohort

BACKGROUND

General Movement Assessment (GMA) is recommended for early detection of risk for cerebral palsy but requires trained clinical experts. We aimed to implement home- and hospital-based filming for remote GMA in a Norwegian high-risk infant cohort, as well as evaluating parents' experiences in filming their infant at home.

METHODS

This knowledge translational study used a prospective cohort design including participants referred to neurodevelopmental follow-up across three sites in the Central Norway Regional Health Authority. Two home films of the fidgety type of general movements were collected between 12+1-14+6 and 15+1-17+6 weeks after term by parents. An additional film was collected at the hospital between 12+1 and 17+6 weeks after term. The instructional guide for all filming was the In-Motion App standards. Videos were transferred to a remote GMA team and classified as either "GMA scorable" or "GMA not scorable" based on Prechtl's GMA standards. Parents responded to an online survey using a 5-point Likert scale to collect information about their perspectives, experiences, and possible worries by filming their infant at home.

RESULTS

One-hundred-and-two infants from 95 families participated. Ninety-two (96.8%) families transferred 177 home-based videos. Eighty-four (92%) of these had 95 videos taken in their local hospital. All 177 home-videos were "GMA scorable" and three (3,1%) out of 95 hospital-based videos were classified as "GMA not scorable". Eight families did not respond to the survey and two families did not receive the survey due to a technical error. Seventy-eight (91.7%) respondents agreed or strongly agreed that it was easy to perform home filming and five (5.9%) agreed that they were more worried about their child`s development after filming at home. Almost 80% of respondents agreed that a video for GMA can be taken at home instead of in hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

This study strengthens the clinical implementation of home filming by parents and remote GMA for early detection of CP in high-risk follow-up programs. The implementation of remote GMA has the potential to facilitate early intervention to improve function in children with CP in line with international recommendations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04287166 Date of registration: 27/02/2020.

Scalable Transdiagnostic Early Assessment of Mental Health (STREAM): a study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Early childhood development forms the foundations for functioning later in life. Thus, accurate monitoring of developmental trajectories is critical. However, such monitoring often relies on time-intensive assessments which necessitate administration by skilled professionals. This difficulty is exacerbated in low-resource settings where such professionals are predominantly concentrated in urban and often private clinics, making them inaccessible to many. This geographic and economic inaccessibility contributes to a significant 'detection gap' where many children who might benefit from support remain undetected. The Scalable Transdiagnostic Early Assessment of Mental Health (STREAM) project aims to bridge this gap by developing an open-source, scalable, tablet-based platform administered by non-specialist workers to assess motor, social and cognitive developmental status. The goal is to deploy STREAM through public health initiatives, maximising opportunities for effective early interventions.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The STREAM project will enrol and assess 4000 children aged 0-6 years from Malawi (n=2000) and India (n=2000). It integrates three established developmental assessment tools measuring motor, social and cognitive functioning using gamified tasks, observation checklists, parent-report and audio-video recordings. Domain scores for motor, social and cognitive functioning will be developed and assessed for their validity and reliability. These domain scores will then be used to construct age-adjusted developmental reference curves.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval has been obtained from local review boards at each site (India: Sangath Institutional Review Board; All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Ethics Committee; Indian Council of Medical Research-Health Ministry Screening Committee; Malawi: College of Medicine Research and Ethics Committee; Malawi Ministry of Health-Blantyre District Health Office). The study adheres to Good Clinical Practice standards and the ethical guidelines of the 6th (2008) Declaration of Helsinki. Findings from STREAM will be disseminated to participating families, healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators and researchers, at local, national and international levels through meetings, academic journals and conferences.

Effectiveness of early diagnosis of cerebral palsy guideline implementation: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Tailored implementation interventions are required to overcome the diagnostic research-practice gap for cerebral palsy (CP). Evaluating the impact of interventions on patient outcomes is a priority. This review aimed to summarize the established evidence for the effectiveness of guideline implementations in lowering the age of CP diagnosis.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA. CINAHL, Embase, PubMed and MEDLINE were searched (2017-October 2022). Inclusion criteria were studies that evaluated effect of CP guideline interventions on health professional behaviour or patient outcomes. GRADE was used to determine quality. Studies were coded for use of theory (Theory Coding Scheme). Meta-analysis was performed and a standardized metric used to summarize statistics of intervention effect estimates.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Of (N.=249) records screened, (N.=7) studies met inclusion, comprising interventions following infants less than 2 years of age with CP risk factors (N.=6280). Guideline feasibility in clinical practice was established through health professional adherence and patient satisfaction. Efficacy of patient outcome of CP diagnosis by 12 months of age was established in all studies. Weighted averages were: (1) high-risk of CP (N.=2) 4.2 months and (2) CP diagnosis (N.=5) at 11.6 months. Meta-analysis of (N.=2) studies found a large, pooled effect size Z = 3.00 (P=0.003) favoring implementation interventions lowering age of diagnosis by 7.50 months, however study heterogeneity was high. A paucity of theoretical frameworks were identified in this review.

CONCLUSIONS

Multifaceted interventions to implement the early diagnosis of CP guideline are effective in improving patient outcomes by lowering the age of CP diagnosis in high-risk infant follow-up clinics. Further targeted health professional interventions including low-risk infant populations are warranted.

Stability of the Motor Optimality Score Revised (MOS-R) in medically complex infants

BACKGROUND

The Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R) is a clinical test of infant spontaneous movement at 3-5 months of age and has been associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with medical complexity. However the stability of the MOS-R tested at different developmental ages is not yet known.

AIM

To determine if the repeated scoring of the MOS-R remained consistent when tested at two developmental ages in young infants.

STUDY DESIGN

In this prospective cohort study, infants were tested twice with the MOS-R between 12 and 13 weeks corrected age (CA) and 14-16 weeks CA. Bland Altman Plots were used to calculate agreement between the scores. Infants were grouped as having higher or lower medical complexity. MOS-R threshold scores were analyzed to assess changes over time within each group using Fisher's exact test.

SUBJECTS

85 infants with history of hospitalization in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

RESULTS

The MOS-R scores had a high agreement with negligible bias (0.058) between timepoints (95 % CI -1.10, 1.22). Using a MOS-R cut point of 19, infants with higher medical complexity were more likely to change groups between timepoints than infants with lower medical complexity (p = 0.008), but this was not significantly different using cut points of 20 or 21.

CONCLUSION

The MOS-R scores were stable when measured repeatedly in infants who were hospitalized in a NICU. Infants with high medical complexity had less stable MOS-R scores using certain cut points than infants with lower medical complexity.

Early Neurodevelopmental Assessments for Predicting Long-Term Outcomes in Infants at High Risk of Cerebral Palsy

Importance

Studies suggest that early neurodevelopmental assessments are beneficial for identifying cerebral palsy, yet their effectiveness in practical scenarios and their ability to detect cognitive impairment are limited.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of early neurodevelopmental assessments in identifying cerebral palsy and cognitive and other neurodevelopmental impairments, including their severity, within a multidisciplinary clinic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This diagnostic study was conducted at Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Participants were extremely preterm infants born at less than 28 weeks' gestation or extremely low birth weight infants less than 1000 g and term encephalopathic infants who received therapeutic hypothermia, attending the early neurodevelopmental clinic between January 2019 and July 2021. Data were analyzed from December 2023 to January 2024.

Exposures

Early cerebral palsy or high risk of cerebral palsy, the absence of fidgety movements, and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) scores at corrected age (CA) 3 to 4 months. Early cerebral palsy or high risk of cerebral palsy diagnosis was based on absent fidgety movements, a low HINE score (<57), and medical neurological examination.

Main Outcome and Measures

The outcomes of interest were cerebral palsy, cognitive and neurodevelopmental impairments and their severity, diagnosed at 24 to 36 months' CA.

Results

A total of 116 infants (median [IQR] gestational age, 27 [25-29] weeks; 65 [56%] male) were included. Diagnosis of early cerebral palsy or high risk of cerebral palsy demonstrated a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI, 63%-99%) and specificity of 84% (95% CI, 76%-90%) for predicting cerebral palsy and 100% (95% CI, 59%-100%) sensitivity and 80% (95% CI, 72%-87%) specificity for predicting moderate to severe cerebral palsy. Additionally, the accuracy of diagnosis of early cerebral palsy or high risk of cerebral palsy was 85% (95% CI, 77%-91%) for predicting cerebral palsy and 81% (95% CI, 73%-88%) for predicting moderate to severe cerebral palsy. Similarly, the absence of fidgety movements had an 81% (95% CI, 73%-88%) accuracy in predicting cerebral palsy, and HINE scores exhibited good discriminatory power with an area under the curve of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.79-0.97) for cerebral palsy prediction. However, for cognitive impairment, the predictive accuracy was 44% (95% CI, 35%-54%) for an early cerebral palsy or high risk of cerebral palsy diagnosis and 45% (95% CI, 36%-55%) for the absence of fidgety movements. Similarly, HINE scores showed poor discriminatory power for predicting cognitive impairment, with an area under the curve of 0.62 (95% CI, 0.51-0.73).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this diagnostic study of infants at high risk for cerebral palsy or other cognitive or neurodevelopmental impairment, early neurodevelopmental assessments at 3 to 4 months' CA reliably predicted cerebral palsy and its severity at 24 to 36 months' CA, signifying its crucial role in facilitating early intervention. However, for cognitive impairment, longer-term assessments are necessary for accurate identification.

The Knowledge Translation of Early Cerebral Palsy (KiTE CP) Study: Implementing Screening Among a High-Risk Prospective Cohort of Australian Infants

OBJECTIVE

To describe the implementation of the international guidelines for the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) and engagement in the screening process in an Australian cohort of infants with neonatal risk factors for CP.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study of infants with neonatal risk factors recruited at <6 months corrected age from 11 sites in the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, Australia. First, we implemented a multimodal knowledge translation strategy including barrier identification, technology integration, and special interest groups. Screening was implemented as follows: infants with clinical indications for neuroimaging underwent magnetic resonance imaging and/or cranial ultrasound. The Prechtl General Movements Assessment (GMA) was recorded clinically or using an app (Baby Moves). Infants with absent or abnormal fidgety movements on GMA videos were offered further assessment using the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE). Infants with atypical findings on 2/3 assessments met criteria for high risk of CP.

RESULTS

Of the 597 infants (56% male) recruited, 95% (n = 565) received neuroimaging, 90% (n = 537) had scorable GMA videos (2% unscorable/8% no video), and 25% (n = 149) HINE. Overall, 19% of the cohort (n = 114/597) met criteria for high risk of CP, 57% (340/597) had at least 2 normal assessments (of neuroimaging, GMA or HINE), and 24% (n = 143/597) had insufficient assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

Early CP screening was implemented across participating sites using a multimodal knowledge translation strategy. Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected recruitment rates, there was high engagement in the screening process. Reasons for engagement in early screening from parents and clinicians warrant further contextualization and investigation.

Identifying Opportunities for Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy

This study aimed to evaluate assessment and referral practices for the early detection and diagnosis of children at risk for or with cerebral palsy (CP) by health care and education providers in Maryland and Delaware. A secondary aim was to identify barriers for using early detection tools and identify opportunities for change to support early diagnosis and improve care. Seventy-two participants answered ≥ 50% of the survey questions. Most were occupational or physical therapists (86%) working in early intervention (61%). Eighty-eight percent indicated awareness that CP can be diagnosed by 12 months. Though 86% stated they typically suspect a diagnosis of CP between 0 and 12 months, only 19% reported that their patients received a CP diagnosis < 12 months. The Developmental Assessment of Young Children (73%) and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales-2 (59%) were used most. Many respondents indicated never using magnetic resonance imaging (70%), the General Movements Assessment (87%), or the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Exam (69%). Participants identified clinical signs and symptoms prompting a referral for the diagnostic assessment of CP, most commonly stiffness in legs (95%), excessive head lag (93%), and persistent fisting (92%). Policy and organizational change, clinician education, and training are needed to support the implementation of CP early detection guidelines.

A prospective assessment of readiness to implement an early detection of cerebral palsy pathway in a neonatal intensive care setting using the PARIHS framework

BACKGROUND

Early detection of cerebral palsy (CP) is possible through targeted use of assessment tools. Changes in practice are needed to facilitate this shift towards earlier diagnosis of CP in New Zealand. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate readiness to implement an early detection of CP pathway within a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting prior to any implementation taking place. The PARIHS (Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services) framework was engaged to assess readiness by highlighting determinants that influence implementation outcomes as either barriers or enablers.

METHODS

A mixed methods approach was used. Firstly, an online staff survey assessed PARIHS sub-elements using Likert scores and free text with the intent to develop a baseline understanding of staff views. Secondly, focus groups were conducted to gain deeper understanding of barriers and enablers to implementation. Participants included health professionals involved in the first 6 months of life. Data were analysed to outline the barriers and enablers of implementation under the Evidence and Context constructs of the PARIHS framework.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven participants completed the survey, and 20 participants participated in eight focus groups and two individual interviews. Quantitative (survey) findings found 65% agreement around the usefulness of research evidence on early CP detection; however, ≤ 45% felt current resources (i.e. human, financial and IT) were sufficient for implementation. Qualitative findings (survey and focus groups) highlighted key staff concerns around resources, family impact (creating unnecessary stress), and equity (barriers to participation). Staff wanted information regarding how international evidence translates to the local context and availability of timely follow-up services. Sub-elements within the Evidence and Context constructs were rated as either mixed or low (except for Evidence - Research, rated as high), overall indicating that Auckland NICU is at the early stages of readiness to implement the early CP detection pathway.

CONCLUSION

This work may resonate with other neonatal services preparing to implement CP early detection pathways. Resourcing has a major role in facilitating implementation of pathways and uncertainty about resources is a barrier to implementation. Ongoing focus on building consensus and funding is required to ensure optimal uptake.

Partnering Early to Provide for Infants At Risk of Cerebral Palsy (PĒPI ARC): protocol for a feasibility study of a regional hub for early detection of cerebral palsy in Aotearoa New Zealand

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) can now be diagnosed in infants with identified CP risk factors as early as three months of age; however, many barriers prevent equitable access to early detection pathways. The "Partnering Early to Provide for Infants At Risk of Cerebral Palsy" feasibility study (PĒPI ARC) seeks to trial a new approach to decrease inequitable health service in Aotearoa New Zealand for high-risk infants and their families. PĒPI ARC incorporates face-to-face clinics, an in-person and virtual Hub, and the use of telehealth to enable flexible access to CP assessments and support for health professionals in early CP detection.

Methods and analysis

A non-randomised feasibility study was conducted from a tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Wellington and included seven regional referral centres, servicing nearly 30% of the total population in New Zealand (NZ). The families of infants with a high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment and health professionals interacting with the Hub were invited to participate. Mixed methods were used to evaluate the (i) equitable implementation of an early detection pathway, (ii) acceptability, (iii) demand among families and health professionals, (iv) efficacy in relation to reducing the age of receipt of CP diagnosis, and (v) the experiences around communication and information sharing.

Ethics and dissemination

The NZ Health and Disability Ethics Committee approved this study (HDEC: 2022 FULL 13434). The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, in conference presentations, and via professional networks.

Clinical trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12623000600640.

Impact of a National Follow-Up Program on the Age at Diagnosis for Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

The Danish National Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program (CPOP) is a nationwide program offering standardized treatment to all children with cerebral palsy (CP) since 2004. We aimed to establish if its implementation had a positive impact on the diagnostic age of CP.

METHODS

Children with validated CP diagnoses were identified from the Danish Cerebral Palsy Registry and the CPOP. We then compared the age at diagnosis and the clinical features of children with CP born in 2000 to 2003 with those born in 2010 to 2013. Differences in time to diagnosis were compared using log-rank test.

RESULTS

The age at diagnosis was not different in the two periods (P = 0.23), with identical overall median diagnostic ages at 13.0 months. The number of children with severe motor disability decreased markedly from 47.5% in 2000 to 2003 to 32.0% in 2010 to 2013 (P < 0.001). There was increased usage of cerebral magnetic resonance imaging; however, this was not associated with lower diagnostic age.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic age of CP did not change after the implementation of a nationwide follow-up program, offering standardized and early assessments. However, central clinical aspects also changed significantly between the periods compared, which possibly affected the diagnostic age.

Automated identification of abnormal infant movements from smart phone videos

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability during childhood, occurring at a rate of 2.1 per 1000 live births. Early diagnosis is key to improving functional outcomes for children with CP. The General Movements (GMs) Assessment has high predictive validity for the detection of CP and is routinely used in high-risk infants but only 50% of infants with CP have overt risk factors when they are born. The implementation of CP screening programs represents an important endeavour, but feasibility is limited by access to trained GMs assessors. To facilitate progress towards this goal, we report a deep-learning framework for automating the GMs Assessment. We acquired 503 videos captured by parents and caregivers at home of infants aged between 12- and 18-weeks term-corrected age using a dedicated smartphone app. Using a deep learning algorithm, we automatically labelled and tracked 18 key body points in each video. We designed a custom pipeline to adjust for camera movement and infant size and trained a second machine learning algorithm to predict GMs classification from body point movement. Our automated body point labelling approach achieved human-level accuracy (mean ± SD error of 3.7 ± 5.2% of infant length) compared to gold-standard human annotation. Using body point tracking data, our prediction model achieved a cross-validated area under the curve (mean ± S.D.) of 0.80 ± 0.08 in unseen test data for predicting expert GMs classification with a sensitivity of 76% ± 15% for abnormal GMs and a negative predictive value of 94% ± 3%. This work highlights the potential for automated GMs screening programs to detect abnormal movements in infants as early as three months term-corrected age using digital technologies.

F-words e ingredientes das intervenções precoces para crianças com paralisia cerebral não deambuladoras: uma revisão de escopo

Cuidados centrados na família (incluindo coaching e intervenções fornecidas pelo cuidador) e treinamento parental formal são estratégias eficazes para crianças nos níveis IV e V do GMFCS. Os ingredientes de tecnologia assistiva podem promover várias F-words (funcionalidade, saúde, família, diversão, amigos e futuro). O menor nível de evidência foi encontrado para diversão, amigos e futuro. Outros fatores (prestação de serviços, treinamento profissional, dose de terapia, modificações ambientais) são relevantes para crianças pequenas nos níveis IV e V do GMFCS. Esta revisão de escopo identificou os ingredientes de intervenções precoces para crianças com paralisia cerebral em risco de não serem deambuladoras, e os mapeou-os de acordo com a estrutura das F-words. O treinamento formal dos pais e a tecnologia assistiva se destacaram como estratégias para abordar com várias F-words.

Managing mothers' and fathers' uncertainty during their journey through early neurodevelopmental follow-up for their high-risk infants-A qualitative account

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of cerebral palsy is possible by 5 months corrected age for 'at-risk' infants, using diagnostic tools such as the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), Prechtl's General Movements Assessment (GMA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This is an uncertain and stressful time for parents where provision of appropriate information and support is essential.

AIM

To explore parents' views and experiences in relation to the new early neurodevelopmental follow-up of 'at-risk' infants.

METHODS

Thirteen in-depth one-to-one qualitative interviews were conducted by the primary researcher, with eight parents (six mothers and two fathers) of 'at-risk' infants eligible for a follow-up clinic where the GMA and HINE were performed at 12-week corrected age. Interviews used a pre-piloted topic guide and took place before and after the clinic. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive coding and thematic analysis using the framework approach.

FINDINGS

Seven themes were identified: (1) attempting to manage uncertainty, (2) taking priority, (3) trusting professionals, (4) independence in the parent role, (5) feeling understood, (6) patterns of care and (7) individuality. Parents reported experiencing uncertainty about their current situation and future. Adequate preparation for and timing of information are vital. When uncertainty is poorly managed, parents' wellbeing suffers. Individual parents' perspectives and infants' developmental trajectories differ, and information should be tailored specifically for this.

CONCLUSION

A parent's understanding of the journey through neurodevelopmental care for their high risk infants is initially very limited. Implementing a counselling service for parents to access psychological support and digital reminder system for clinic appointments, as well as providing more tailored information through trusted professionals, could all improve future parents' experiences.

F-words and early intervention ingredients for non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy: A scoping review

AIM

To explore the ingredients of early interventions provided to young children with cerebral palsy (CP) who are classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V, and to identify the 'F-words' addressed by the interventions.

METHOD

Searches were completed in four electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were the original experimental studies that fitted the following PCC components: population, young children (aged 0-5 years, at least 30% of the sample) with CP and significant motor impairment (GMFCS levels IV or V, at least 30% of the sample); concept, non-surgical and non-pharmacological early intervention services measuring outcomes from any of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health domains; and context, studies published from 2001 to 2021, from all settings and not limited to any specific geographical location.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven papers were included for review, with qualitative (n = 3), mixed-methods (n = 4), quantitative descriptive (n = 22), quantitative non-randomized (n = 39), and quantitative randomized (n = 19) designs. Fitness (n = 59), family (n = 46), and functioning (n = 33) ingredients were addressed by most experimental studies, whereas studies on fun (n = 6), friends (n = 5), and future (n = 14) were scarce. Several other factors (n = 55) related to the environment, for example, service provision, professional training, therapy dose, and environmental modifications, were also relevant.

INTERPRETATION

Many studies positively supported formal parent training and use of assistive technology to promote several F-words. A menu of intervention ingredients was provided, with suggestions for future research, to incorporate them into a real context within the family and clinical practice.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Family-centred care (including coaching and caregiver-delivered interventions) and formal parental training are effective strategies for children in GMFCS levels IV and V. Assistive technology ingredients (power, mobility, supported, sitting, stepping, and standing) may promote several 'F-words' (functioning, fitness, family, fun, friends, and future). The lowest level of evidence was found for fun, friends, and future. Other factors (service provision, professional training, therapy dose, environmental modifications) are relevant for young children in GMFCS levels IV and V.

F-Wörter und Interventionsinhalte in der Frühförderung nicht gehfähiger Kinder mit Cerebralparese: eine umfangreiche Literaturübersicht

Ziel

Untersuchung der Inhalte von Frühfördermaßnahmen für Kleinkinder mit Cerebralparese (CP) mit Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level IV und V und die Identifikation von „F‐Wörtern“, die von den Maßnahmen adressiert werden.

Methode

Recherche in vier elektronischen Datenbanken. Einschlusskriterien: experimentelle Originalstudien, die die folgenden PCC‐Komponenten erfüllten: Population: Kleinkinder (im Alter von 0–5 Jahre, mindestens 30% der Stichprobe) mit CP und erheblicher motorischer Beeinträchtigung (GMFCS‐Levels IV oder V, mindestens 30% der Stichprobe); Konzept: nicht‐chirurgische und nicht‐pharmakologische Leistungen der Frühförderung, die Ergebnisse aus einem der Bereiche der Internationalen Klassifikation der Funktionsfähigkeit, Behinderung und Gesundheit (ICF) messen; und Kontext: Studien, die zwischen 2001 und 2021 veröffentlicht wurden, in allen Konstellationen und nicht auf einen bestimmten geografischen Ort beschränkt.

Ergebnisse

87 Studien wurden in dieser Literaturübersicht berücksichtigt, mit qualitativen (n = 3), Mixed Methods (n = 4), quantitativ deskriptiven (n = 22), quantitativ nicht‐randomisierten (n = 39) und quantitativ randomisierten (n = 19) Designs. Die meisten experimentellen Studien befassten sich mit Fitness (n = 59), Familie (n = 46) und Funktion (n = 33), während es nur wenige Studien zu den Bereichen Spaß (n = 6), Freunde (n = 5) und Zukunft (n = 14) gab. Verschiedene Umweltfaktoren (n = 55) waren ebenfalls bedeutsam, z. B. das Angebot an Dienstleistungen, Berufsausbildung, Therapiedosis und Umweltanpassungen.

Interpretation

Viele Studien unterstützen Elternschulungen und den Einsatz assistiver Technologien zur Förderung verschiedener F‐Wörter. Ein „Menü“ von Inhalten der Frühförderung wurden ermittelt, mit Vorschlägen für weitere Forschung, um diese in der klinischen Praxis mit Familien umzusetzen.

Was dieser Artikel beiträgt

F-words e ingredientes de las intervenciones tempranas dirigidas a niños no ambulantes con parálisis cerebral: Una revisión exploratoria

La atención centrada en la familia (incluyendo coaching e intervenciones realizadas por los cuidadores) y el entrenamiento formal de los padres son estrategias efectivas para los niños con niveles IV y V de la GMFCS. Los ingredientes de la tecnología de apoyo pueden promover varias "F-words" (funcionamiento, estado físico, familia, diversión, amigos y futuro). Se encontró el nivel más bajo de evidencia para diversión, amigos y futuro. Otros factores (provisión de servicios, formación profesional, dosis de terapia, modificaciones del entorno) son relevantes para los niños pequeños con niveles IV y V de la GMFCS. Ingredientes de la intervención y F-words en intervenciones tempranas dirigidas a niños no ambulantes con parálisis cerebral.

A Call for Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability across the lifespan, but historically, CP has not been diagnosed before the age of 2 years. Barriers to early diagnosis ranged from lack of available biomarkers, absence of curative treatments, perceived stigma associated with a lifelong diagnosis, and a desire to rule out other diagnoses first. Most importantly, the fundamental question that remained was whether children would benefit from earlier detection and intervention given the paucity of research. However, evidence-based guidelines published in 2017 demonstrated that the General Movements Assessment, the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and neuroimaging can be combined with other elements such as a clinical history and standardized motor assessments to provide the highest predictive value for diagnosing CP as early as age 3 months in high-risk newborns. Implementation of these guidelines has been successful in decreasing the age at CP diagnosis, particularly in high-risk infant follow-up clinics with expertise in performing these assessments. Early detection of CP allows for clinical and research opportunities investigating earlier interventions during a critical period of neuroplasticity, with the goal of improving developmental trajectories for children and their families. New guidelines and research are now being developed with a focus on early, targeted interventions that continue to be studied, along with global detection initiatives.

Using the center of pressure movement analysis in evaluating spontaneous movements in infants: a comparative study with general movements assessment

BACKGROUND

Researchers have attempted to automate the spontaneous movement assessment and have sought quantitative and objective methods over the past decade. The purpose of the study was to present a quantitative assessment method of spontaneous movement using center-of-pressure (COP) movement analysis.

METHODS

A total of 101 infants were included in the study. The infants were placed in the supine position on the force plate with the cranial-caudal orientation. In this position, the recording of video and COP movement data were made simultaneously for 3 min. Video recordings were used to observe global and detailed general movement assessment (GMA), and COP time series data were used to obtain quantitative movement parameters.

RESULTS

According to the global GMA, 13 infants displayed absent fidgety movements (FMs) and 88 infants displayed normal FMs. The binary logistic regression model indicated significant association between global GMA and COP movement parameters (chi-square = 20.817, p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of this model were 85% (95% CI: 55-98), 83% (95% CI: 73-90), and 83% (95% CI: 74-90), respectively. The multiple linear regression model showed a significant association between detailed GMA (motor optimality score-revised/MOS-R) and COP movement parameters (F = 10.349, p < 0.001). The MOS-R total score was predicted with a standard error of approximately 1.8 points (6%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated the possible avenues for using COP movement analysis to objectively detect the absent FMs and MOS-R total score in clinical settings. Although the method presented in this study requires further validation, it may complement observational GMA and be clinically useful for infant screening purposes, particularly in clinical settings where access to expertise in observational GMA is not available.

Cerebral Palsy - Early Diagnosis and Intervention Trial: protocol for the prospective multicentre CP-EDIT study with focus on diagnosis, prognostic factors, and intervention

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) is important to enable intervention at a time when neuroplasticity is at its highest. Current mean age at diagnosis is 13 months in Denmark. Recent research has documented that an early-diagnosis set-up can lower diagnostic age in high-risk infants. The aim of the current study is to lower diagnostic age of CP regardless of neonatal risk factors. Additionally, we want to investigate if an early intervention program added to standard care is superior to standard care alone.

METHODS

The current multicentre study CP-EDIT (Early Diagnosis and Intervention Trial) with the GO-PLAY intervention included (Goal Oriented ParentaL supported home ActivitY program), aims at testing the feasibility of an early diagnosis set-up and the GO-PLAY early intervention. CP-EDIT is a prospective cohort study, consecutively assessing approximately 500 infants at risk of CP. We will systematically collect data at inclusion (age 3-11 months) and follow a subset of participants (n = 300) with CP or at high risk of CP until the age of two years. The GO-PLAY early intervention will be tested in 80 infants with CP or high risk of CP. Focus is on eight areas related to implementation and perspectives of the families: early cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), early genetic testing, implementation of the General Movements Assessment method, analysis of the GO-PLAY early intervention, parental perspective of early intervention and early diagnosis, early prediction of CP, and comparative analysis of the Hand Assessment for Infants, Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, MRI, and the General Movements method.

DISCUSSION

Early screening for CP is increasingly possible and an interim diagnosis of "high risk of CP" is recommended but not currently used in clinical care in Denmark. Additionally, there is a need to accelerate identification in mild or ambiguous cases to facilitate appropriate therapy early. Most studies on early diagnosis focus on identifying CP in infants below five months corrected age. Little is known about early diagnosis in the 50% of all CP cases that are discernible later in infancy. The current study aims at improving care of patients with CP even before they have an established diagnosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID 22013292 (reg. date 31/MAR/2023) for the CP-EDIT cohort and ID 22041835 (reg. date 31/MAR/2023) for the GO-PLAY trial.

A Feasibility Study of a Physical and Occupational Therapy-Led and Parent-Administered Program to Improve Parent Mental Health and Infant Development

AIMS

Extremely premature birth puts infants at high risk for developmental delay and results in parent anxiety and depression. The primary objective of this study was to characterize feasibility and acceptability of a therapist-led, parent-administered therapy and massage program designed to support parent mental health and infant development.

METHODS

A single cohort of 25 dyads - parents (24 mothers, 1 father) and extremely preterm (<28 wk gestation) infants - participated in the intervention. During hospitalization, parents attended weekly hands-on education sessions with a primary therapist. Parents received bi-weekly developmental support emails for 12 months post-discharge and were scheduled for 2 outpatient follow up visits. We collected measures of parent anxiety, depression, and competence at baseline, hospital discharge, and <4 and 12 months post-discharge.

RESULTS

All feasibility targets were met or exceeded at baseline and discharge (≥70%). Dyads participated in an average of 11 therapy sessions (range, 5-20) during hospitalization. Lower rates of data collection adherence were observed over successive follow ups (range, 40-76%). Parent-rated feasibility and acceptability scores were high at all time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Results support parent-rated feasibility and acceptability of the TEMPO intervention for extremely preterm infants and their parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Implementing Parent Coaching in Hospital-Based Pediatric Occupational Therapy: A Multisite Quality Improvement Project

IMPORTANCE

Parent coaching (PC) is a best practice for young children with, or at high risk for, cerebral palsy (CP). Occupational therapy practitioners in outpatient settings encounter barriers to implementing PC.

OBJECTIVE

To increase the documented use of PC in outpatient occupational therapy visits for children younger than age 2 yr with, or at high risk for, CP from 0% to 80%.

DESIGN

Multicenter quality improvement (QI) initiative with a time-series design.

SETTING

Three pediatric tertiary-care institutions, each with multiple outpatient occupational therapy clinics.

PARTICIPANTS

Practitioners in the outpatient clinics and patients <2 yr old with, or at high risk for, cerebral palsy.

INTERVENTION

Plan-do-study-act cycles included interventions packaged as a toolkit: education sessions, quick references, electronic medical record (EMR) supports, and site-specific strategies.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the use of PC in outpatient sessions. Process measures included pre- and posteducation practitioner knowledge scores and an EMR checklist. Balancing measures (ensuring that changes do not cause problems in other areas) of parent satisfaction/experience and practitioner productivity were measured pre- and postintervention.

RESULTS

The primary outcome measure goal (80% documented use of PC in sessions) was attained in the seventh month of the study, sustained for 4 mo, and settled at 79.1% for the remaining 6 mo. Practitioner knowledge scores increased from 83.1% to 87.9% after initial education sessions, t[56] = 3.289, p = .001. Parent satisfaction/experience and practitioner productivity scores did not change.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

QI methodology can support PC implementation in pediatric outpatient practice. What This Article Adds: This multisite QI initiative shows that outpatient occupational therapy practitioners can implement PC as a best practice with the use of a toolkit. Results suggest that education alone does not result in changes to practitioner behavior and that QI methods can help when implementing best practices in a clinical setting.

Pilot Translational Precision Biobehavioral Assays for Early Detection of Motor Impairments in a Rat Model of Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Cutting-edge neonatal programs diagnose cerebral palsy (CP) or "high risk of CP" using validated neurobehavioral exams in combination with risk history and neuroimaging. In rat models, digital gait analyses are the gold standard adult assessment, but tools in infant rats are limited. Refinement of infant rat neurobehavioral correlates of CP will establish translational behavioral biomarkers to delineate early mechanisms of CP in both humans and rodent models of CP.

OBJECTIVE

To facilitate precision medicine approaches of neurodevelopmental health and integrate basic and clinical research approaches for CP, we developed and piloted a new assay of neonatal rat neurobehavior to mimic human neonate exams.

METHODS

Our established rat model of CP secondary to chorioamnionitis (CHORIO) that induces bilateral motor impairment reminiscent of spastic CP was used. On postnatal day 10 (P10), 5 min videos were recorded of 26 (6 sham and 20 CHORIO) animals moving freely in a cage were reviewed by an evaluator trained in the human General Movements Assessment (GMA). Non-blinded observation revealed two behaviors that differed between rat pups in each group (time spent rearing; multi-dimensional nose sweeping; and sniffing). Each video was re-coded for these criteria by an evaluator blind to group status. Differences between sham and CP groups were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney U-test or Student's t-test (p < 0.05 level of significance).

RESULTS

Neonatal rats with CP exhibited sensorimotor impairment and decreased spatial exploration. CP rats spent significantly less time rearing (17.85 ± 1.60 s vs. 34.8 ± 2.89 s, p = 0.007) and engaged in multi-dimensional nose sweeping and sniffing (2.2 ± 0.58 episodes vs. 5.5 ± 0.96 episodes, p = 0.03) than sham controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These pilot findings of harmonized translational and precision biobehavioral assays provide an opportunity for increased expediency of clinical trials at the earliest stages of brain development.

Strengthening Equitable Access to Care and Support for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Their Caregivers

Cerebral palsy is one of the most prevalent groups of motor disorders affecting children and adults across the world. As increasingly more children with cerebral palsy are living longer into adulthood, it is ever more crucial to ensure access to timely and needed early intervention from the onset of diagnosis, on a continuum, to optimize medical, developmental, socio-emotional, and academic outcomes for these children over time. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in collaboration with the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM), substantially revised the clinical practice guidelines for cerebral palsy in 2022, after their prior publication of the guidelines in 2006. The revised guidelines account for a range of considerations that are in line with the biopsychosocial, risk and resilience, and family-centered care models as well as promote a more strengths-based approach to care. Furthermore, there is increased emphasis in the guidelines on promoting equitable access to care as part of contributing towards health equity for all children with cerebral palsy. In addition, the 2022 guidelines clearly present recommendations for earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy, potentially as early as infancy, as the basis for activating access to early intervention services for children that can bolster their neuroplasticity and global development from an earlier age onward. We consolidate the existing literature on caregiver perceptions, beliefs and concerns surrounding earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy and connect them to the recommendations in the revised guidelines. We also delineate several considerations surrounding education for healthcare providers and caregivers of children in navigating the chronicity of cerebral palsy in both community and healthcare contexts. There is a scant amount of literature on cerebral palsy across traditional and nontraditional sources of media in published studies, which we also review. Lastly, we present a wealth of recommendations for further research and practice that account for the revised 2022 guidelines, caregiver preferences and acceptability of care, and health equity as the bases for strengthening equitable access to care for children with cerebral palsy on a continuum as they transition into adulthood.

Kindy Moves: the feasibility of an intensive interdisciplinary programme on goal and motor outcomes for preschool-aged children with neurodisabilities requiring daily equipment and physical assistance

OBJECTIVES

To determine the feasibility of an intensive interdisciplinary programme in improving goal and motor outcomes for preschool-aged children with non-progressive neurodisabilities. The primary hypothesis was that the intervention would be feasible.

DESIGN

A single group feasibility study.

SETTING

An Australian paediatric community therapy provider.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty children were recruited. Inclusion criteria were age 2-5 years with a non-progressive neurodisability, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III-V or equivalent, and goals relating to mobility, communication and upper limb function. Exclusion criteria included orthopaedic surgery in the past 6 months, unstable hip subluxation, uncontrolled seizure disorder or treadmill training in the past month.

INTERVENTION

A goal-directed programme of three 2-hour sessions per week for 4 weeks (24 hours total). This consisted of treadmill and overground walking, communication practice, and upper limb tasks tailored by an interdisciplinary team.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Limited-efficacy measures from preintervention (T1) to postintervention (T2) and 4-week follow-up (T3) included the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66) and 10-Metre Walk Test (10MWT). Acceptability, demand, implementation and practicality were also explored.

RESULTS

There were improvements at T2 compared with T1 for all limited-efficacy measures. The GAS improved at T2 (mean difference (MD) 27.7, 95% CI 25.8 to 29.5) as well as COPM performance (MD 3.2, 95% CI 2.8 to 3.6) and satisfaction (MD 3.3, 95% CI 2.8 to 3.8). The GMFM-66 (MD 2.3, 95% CI 1.0 to 3.5) and 10MWT (median difference -2.3, 95% CI -28.8 to 0.0) improved at T2. Almost all improvements were maintained at T3. Other feasibility components were also demonstrated. There were no adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

An intensive interdisciplinary programme is feasible in improving goal and motor outcomes for preschool children with neurodisabilities (GMFCS III-V or equivalent). A randomised controlled trial is warranted to establish efficacy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12619000064101.

Implementation of Early Detection and Intervention for Cerebral Palsy in High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Programs: U.S. and Global Considerations

Early detection and intervention for cerebral palsy is best practice for all high-risk infants according to international guidelines, consensus statements and research-supported evidence. It allows support for families and optimization of developmental trajectories into adulthood. All phases of implementation of CP early detection can be found across the world in high-risk infant follow-up programs, demonstrating feasibility and acceptability through standardized implementation science. The largest clinical network for CP early detection and intervention in the world has now sustained an average age at detection less than 12 months corrected age for more than 5 years. Targeted referrals and interventions for CP can now be offered to patients in optimal periods of neuroplasticity, and new therapies researched as the age of detection decreases. Implementation of guidelines and incorporation of rigorous CP research studies both allow high-risk infant follow-up programs to fulfill their mission of improving outcomes of those with the most vulnerable developmental trajectories from birth.

Efficacy of Robot-Assisted Gait Therapy Compared to Conventional Therapy or Treadmill Training in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Motor, gait and balance disorders reduce functional capabilities for activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Robot-assisted gait therapy (RAGT) is being used to complement conventional therapy (CT) or treadmill therapy (TT) in CP rehabilitation. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effect of RAGT on gait, balance and functional independence in CP children, in comparison to CT or TT.

METHODS

We have conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis. A search in PubMed Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, PEDro and SciELO has been conducted for articles published until October 2022. Controlled clinical trials (CCT), in which RAGT was compared to TT or CT and assessed gait speed, step and stride length, width step, walking distance, cadence, standing ability, walking, running and jumping ability, gross motor function and functional independence in children with CP, have been included. Methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale and the pooled effect was calculated with Cohen's Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) and its 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

A total of 15 CCTs have been included, providing data from 413 participants, with an averaged methodological quality of 5.73 ± 1.1 points in PEDro. The main findings of this review are that RAGT shows better results than CT in the post-intervention assessment for gait speed (SMD 0.56; 95% CI 0.03 to 1.1), walking distance (SMD 2; 95% CI 0.36 to 3.65) and walking, running and jumping ability (SMD 0.63; 95% CI 0.12 to 1.14).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the effect of RAGT is superior to CT on gait speed, walking distance and walking, running and jumping ability in post-intervention, although no differences were found between RAGT and TT or CT for the remaining variables.

From guidelines to practice: A retrospective clinical cohort study investigating implementation of the early detection guidelines for cerebral palsy in a state-wide early intervention service

OBJECTIVES

To report on knowledge translation strategies and outcomes from the implementation of the early detection guidelines for cerebral palsy (CP) in a state-wide tertiary early intervention (EI) service and investigate the impact of social determinants on clinical services.

DESIGN

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

The Western Australia tertiary paediatric EI service.

PARTICIPANTS

EI clinicians, consumers and children using the EI service.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Knowledge translation strategies including consumer perspectives, clinician training and Communities of Practice (CoP) guided implementation. We measured changes in referral number and age, delivery of early detection and intervention following the implementation of the guidelines. Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), appointment non-attendance (DNA) rates, remoteness and socioeconomic quintiles were used to measure social determinants of health using negative binomial (Incidence Rate Ratios, IRR) and logistic regression (Odds Ratios, ORs).

RESULTS

Ten consumers participated in Focus Groups, 100 clinicians were trained and 22 clinicians established a monthly CoP. Referrals increased fourfold to 511 children. Corrected gestational age at referral decreased from a median of 16.1 to 5.1 months (p<0.001) and at first appointment from 18.8 to 6.8 months (p<0.001). Children living in social disadvantage had the highest DNA risk (quintile 1 vs 5: IRR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.6, p=0.037). Children exposed to ACEs had higher odds of living in social disadvantage (quintile 1 vs 5, OR=3.8, 95% CI 1.4 to 10.0, p=0.007). No significant association was found between remoteness and DNA rate or ACE score.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation strategies reduced referral age and improved the delivery of early detection assessments. Further investigation of the association between social disadvantage, DNA risk and ACE score is required in the development of a state-wide early detection network.

Predictive value of the test of infant motor performance and the Hammersmith infant neurological examination for cerebral palsy in infants

BACKGROUND

Current recommendations for early detection tools for cerebral palsy (CP) include assessments that vary in feasibility and resource requirements. The predictive value of less resource-intensive tools has not been fully explored.

AIMS

To determine the predictive value of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) at 3-4 months corrected age (CA) for CP, and whether administration of both the TIMP and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Exam (HINE) improves early CP detection.

STUDY DESIGN

Five-year retrospective observational study of infants who received the TIMP and the HINE at 3-4 months CA in a high-risk follow-up clinic. TIMP and HINE cut-off scores (alone and in combination) were compared for CP discriminatory ability.

SUBJECTS

Of patients with HINE scores (n = 1389; 676 [48.7 %] female; median gestational age at birth 31 weeks [interquartile range 29-34 weeks]), 1343 had concurrent TIMP scores available.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical diagnosis of CP.

RESULTS

HINE total score <57 had optimal CP predictive value (AUC = 0.815; 77 % sensitivity; 91 % specificity) compared to optimal TIMP cut-off (1 SD below the mean, AUC = 0.71; 52 % sensitivity; 94 % specificity) and all tested TIMP and HINE combinations (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

HINE total score <57 at 3-4 months CA had the best CP predictive value, confirming its value absent first-line detection tools. Concurrent administration of TIMP did not improve predictive value.

Comparative Analysis of the Quality of Life in Families with Children or Adolescents Having Congenital versus Acquired Neuropathology

AIM

This research aims to determine whether the time of injury (congenital or acquired) affects the quality of life (QOL) in families having a child or adolescent with neurological impairment.

DESIGN

Comparative, cross-sectional study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To find out if there are differences in the quality of life domains between these two groups, 66 subjects (31 mothers of patients with congenital disorders and 35 mothers of patients with acquired disorders) completed the PedsQL-Family Impact Module (PedsQL-FIM), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Short Form (WHOQOL-BRIEF), and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ).

RESULTS

Analyzing the PedsQL-FIM dimensions, we found significant differences between groups in terms of emotional functioning, communication, and worry, which favor the congenital group. There are no statistically significant differences between social functioning, cognitive functioning, and daily activities groups. No significant differences between groups when evaluating the WHOQOL-BRIEF's domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, environment) have been found. According to CERQ results, adaptive strategies had higher mean scores in the congenital than in the acquired group. The mean score for maladaptive strategies in the congenital group is higher than that in the acquired one, except for catastrophizing, which is higher for acquired.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that the mothers of patients with acquired neuropathology have a lower quality of life in the emotional functioning, communication, and worry domains.

Adverse motor outcome after paediatric ischaemic stroke: A nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Various frequencies of adverse motor outcomes (cerebral palsy and hemiplegia) after paediatric ischaemic stroke have been reported. Few reports on the risks of adverse motor outcomes in nationwide cohorts and contributing risk factors are available.

OBJECTIVES

To assess risk of adverse motor outcome and potential risk factors thereof after paediatric ischaemic stroke in a nationwide cohort.

METHODS

This nationwide matched cohort study identified 877 children <18 years of age diagnosed with ischaemic stroke through the Swedish national health registers from 1997 to 2016. These children, exposed to ischaemic stroke, alive 1 week after stroke, were matched for age, sex and county of residence with 10 unexposed children. Using Cox regression, we estimated the risk of adverse motor outcomes in children with stroke compared to that in unexposed children. Logistic regression was applied to compare the characteristics of children with and without adverse motor outcomes after stroke.

RESULTS

Out of the 877 children with ischaemic stroke, 280 (31.9%) suffered adverse motor outcomes compared with 21 (0.2%) of the 8770 unexposed: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 167.78 (95% confidence interval (CI) 107.58, 261.66). There were no differences between risk estimates of adverse motor outcome according to age at stroke: perinatal stroke (aHR 124.11, 95% CI 30.45, 505.84) and childhood stroke (aHR 182.37, 95% CI 113.65, 292.64). An association between adverse motor outcome and childhood stroke aOR 1.56 (95% CI 1.05, 2.31) was found when analysing only children with ischaemic stroke. No associations were found between adverse motor outcome and sex, gestational age or parental age at birth.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of adverse motor outcome is substantial after paediatric ischaemic stroke, especially childhood stroke, confirming results of previous smaller studies. This study found no associations between sex, gestational age or parental age and adverse motor outcome after paediatric ischaemic stroke.

Early Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Cerebral palsy describes a group of permanent disorders of movement, motor function and posture that occur due to non-progressive insults to the developing brain. Most of the information concerning the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy originates from studies conducted in high-income countries. In this scoping review, we aimed to explore the tools used in low- and middle-income countries for the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy. A systematic search was conducted using OVID Medline and PubMed databases. “Early diagnosis” was defined as diagnosis prior to 12 months of age, and low- and middle-income countries were classified according to the World Bank classification system. We identified nine studies on the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy from low- and middle-income countries. The tools featured (n = number of studies) were: General Movement Assessment (6), neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (3), Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (2), Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (1) and cranial ultrasound (1). We found a paucity of published literature on the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy from low- and middle-income countries. Further research is needed to determine the tools that are accurate and feasible for use in low-resource settings, particularly since cerebral palsy is more prevalent in these areas.

Investigation of the effectiveness of family collaborative physiotherapy programs applied to high-risk infants

BACKGROUND

The inclusion of families in intervention programs for infants may be more effective in ensuring adherence and positive outcomes. Approaches that include natural and enriched environments that provide communication and family interaction are important in the rehabilitation of high-risk infants.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of Family Collaborative Approach (FCA) and Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT)-based family training.

METHODS

High-risk infants (n = 63) with a mean age of 32.60 ± 4.53 months received early intervention for 12 weeks. Prechtl's General movements (GMs) assessment, Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE), Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE), BAYLEY-III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, and Third Addition (BSID-III) were performed.

RESULTS

Significant differences between groups were found in HINE scores at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months (p ≤ .028), and in BSID-III scores at the 6th month (cognitive, language, and motor) (p < .001) and the 12th month (language) (p = .031). There was significant difference between NDT and control group in 3rd month HINE scores and Reflex&Reactions scores (p ≤ .021). FCA group and NDT group was significantly different from control group in 6th month HINE (p = .032) and 12th month HINE scores (p = .007). FCA group significantly different from NDT group (p ≤ .002) and control group (p < .001) in 6th month BSID-III cognitive, language, and motor scores. There was significant difference between FCA and control group in 12 month BSID-III language scores (p = .024).

CONCLUSIONS

Early physiotherapy interventions were effective in high-risk infants and FCA program was superior to NDT.

Tool Use for Early Detection of Cerebral Palsy: A Survey of Spanish Pediatric Physical Therapists

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the use of diagnostic assessment tools in pediatric physical therapy practice in Spain. Best practice recommendations indicate the timely use of key assessment tools to reduce the age of diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

Pediatric physical therapists currently working in Spain in early intervention were recruited through targeted physical therapy entities. They were invited to complete the purpose-developed electronic survey, consisting of 45 multiple-choice questions, with 5 thematic blocks.

RESULTS

Results from 140 anonymous respondents were analyzed. The average reported age when CP was suspected was 12.6 months. Most used the child's clinical history (88.1%), the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (41.3%), and Vojta Assessment Procedure (32.1%) to assess and detect CP. General Movements Assessment (25.7%) and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (28.4%) were used infrequently.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently, pediatric physical therapists in Spain rely on clinical history and outdated tools to identify children with CP.Digital Abstract available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A361 (English).Digital Abstract available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A362 (Spanish).

Early Interventions for Infants at Risk for Developmental Impairment: The South Asian Perspective

Majority of under-five children with developmental disabilities live in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). A considerable proportion of disabilities results from perinatal adversities. The neonatal and infant mortality rates in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have improved over the last two decades, implying survival of infants at risk for developmental impairments. The need to thrive beyond survival is a well-recognized concept and it is imperative to establish high-risk infant follow-up (HRIF) programmes to capture these infants within the first 1000 d of life. Many challenges are present within the LMICs to identify infants at risk and to ensure early intervention (EI) during the window of optimal neural plasticity. However, it is essential to acknowledge the strengths within such systems to understand the impact of these programmes and packages on the activity and participation of these infants and their families. The International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability for Children and Youth (ICF-CY) version is a holistic framework that will enable the families, clinicians, and policymakers to measure the impact of these interventions. Though all three countries have national policies to reach for high-risk infants, there is lack of published evidence on the successful implementation of such strategies. Therefore, it is timely to establish universally accessible, culturally appropriate and sustainable HRIF programmes. It is also recommended to measure the outcomes of such programmes based on the ICF-CY to understand the impact on the activity and participation of children in South Asia.

Infants at risk for physical disability may be identified by measures of postural control in supine

BACKGROUND

Early detection of delay or impairment in motor function is important to guide clinical management and inform prognosis during a critical window for the development of motor control in children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of biomechanical measures of early postural control to distinguish infants with future impairment in motor control from their typically developing peers.

METHODS

We recorded postural control from infants lying in supine in several conditions. We compared various center of pressure metrics between infants grouped by birth status (preterm and full term) and by future motor outcome (impaired motor control and typical motor control).

RESULTS

One of the seven postural control metrics-path length-was consistently different between groups for both group classifications and for the majority of conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative measures of early spontaneous infant movement may have promise to distinguish early in life between infants who are at risk for motor impairment or physical disability and those who will demonstrate typical motor control. Our observation that center of pressure path length may be a potential early marker of postural instability and motor control impairment needs further confirmation and further investigation to elucidate the responsible neuromotor mechanisms.

IMPACT

The key message of this article is that quantitative measures of infant postural control in supine may have promise to distinguish between infants who will demonstrate future motor impairment and those who will demonstrate typical motor control. One of seven postural control metrics-path length-was consistently different between groups. This metric may be an early marker of postural instability in infants at risk for physical disability.

A Family-Centered, Multidisciplinary Clinic for Early Diagnosis of Neurodevelopmental Impairment and Cerebral Palsy in China-A Pilot Observation

BACKGROUND

Comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment of neurodevelopmental outcomes of high-risk neonates may have significant challenges in low- and middle-income countries, in addition to socio-cultural barriers. We aimed to compare the time to diagnosis of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) and cerebral palsy (CP) in preterm neonates (<29 weeks) at a multidisciplinary assessment and care (MDAC) clinic with that of a conventional high-risk infant follow-up clinic in China.

METHODS

All eligible surviving very preterm neonates born at <29 weeks gestation at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital between January 2015 and December 2019 were followed up in conventional (2015-2017) and MDAC (2018-2020) clinics up to 2 years corrected age with clinical demographic information collected in a prospective database. The MDAC team used standardized developmental assessments. The rates and timing of diagnosing NDI and CP in two epochs were compared.

RESULTS

The rates of NDI and CP were not different in two epochs [NDI: 12 (50%) vs. 12 (41%); CP: 3 (12%) vs. 2 (7%) of 24 and 29 surviving infants assessed in conventional and MDAC clinics, respectively]. Infants in the MDAC clinic were diagnosed with NDI and CP earlier than those in the pre-MDAC epoch (6 vs. 14 months corrected age, respectively, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

High-risk preterm neonates can be followed more effectively in a family-centered, child-friendly multidisciplinary clinic, leading to an earlier diagnosis of NDI and CP. Early counseling and interventions could be implemented accordingly.

Preterm and writhing movements: is it possible to predict fidgety movements in preterm infants?

BACKGROUND

Preterm infants who do not have fidgety movements at 3 months of corrected age have up to ten times greater risk of developing cerebral palsy or other alterations in motor development, compared to infants who exhibit such movements. The General Movements Assessment (GMA) is a validated tool that may predict the fidgety movement period.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the trajectory of the General Movements Assessment (GMA) during the preterm and writhing movements periods in preterm infants and determine the best time point to predict the fidgety movements period.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifty-two preterm newborns were evaluated by the GMA method.

RESULTS

GMA assessment at the age of 5 weeks post term was found the most predictive of neuromotor development disorders in at-risk newborns, with a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 58%, respectively, and a high negative predictive value (92%) and increased hit ratio (69% accuracy).

CONCLUSION

Preterm infants with ≤34 weeks of gestational age have a high prevalence of poor repertoire classifications on the GMA and one single assessment with GMA near the time of NICU discharge seems to be the best time to determine infants who need to be followed more carefully, but the best time point to predict the fidgety movements period was 5 weeks post term.

Age of Diagnosis, Fidelity and Acceptability of an Early Diagnosis Clinic for Cerebral Palsy: A Single Site Implementation Study

Cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis is historically late, at between 12 and 24 months. We aimed to determine diagnosis age, fidelity to recommended tests and acceptability to parents and referrers of an early diagnosis clinic to implement a recent evidence-based clinical guideline for the early diagnosis of CP. A prospective observational case series of infants <12 months with detectable risks for CP attending our clinic was completed with data analysed cross-sectionally. Infants had a high risk of CP diagnosis at a mean age of 4.4 (standard deviation [SD] 2.3) months and CP diagnosis at 8.5 [4.1] months. Of the 109 infants seen, 57% had a diagnosis of CP or high risk of CP, showing high specificity to our inclusion criteria. Parent and referrer acceptability of the clinic was high. Paediatricians had the highest rate of referral (39%) followed by allied health (31%), primary carer (14%) and other health workers (16%). Fidelity to the guideline was also high. All infants referred <5 mths had the General Movements Assessment (GMA) and all except one had the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) administered. N = 92 (84%) of infants seen had neuroimaging, including n = 53 (49%) who had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), showing recommended tests are feasible. Referral to CP-specific interventions was at 4.7 [3.0] months, sometimes before referral to clinic. Clinicians can be confident CP can be diagnosed well under 12 months using recommended tools. This clinic model is acceptable to parents and referrers and supports access to CP-specific early interventions when they are likely to be most effective.

Early Intervention for Children Aged 0 to 2 Years With or at High Risk of Cerebral Palsy: International Clinical Practice Guideline Based on Systematic Reviews

IMPORTANCE

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability. Early intervention for children younger than 2 years with or at risk of CP is critical. Now that an evidence-based guideline for early accurate diagnosis of CP exists, there is a need to summarize effective, CP-specific early intervention and conduct new trials that harness plasticity to improve function and increase participation. Our recommendations apply primarily to children at high risk of CP or with a diagnosis of CP, aged 0 to 2 years.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the best available evidence about CP-specific early interventions across 9 domains promoting motor function, cognitive skills, communication, eating and drinking, vision, sleep, managing muscle tone, musculoskeletal health, and parental support.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

The literature was systematically searched for the best available evidence for intervention for children aged 0 to 2 years at high risk of or with CP. Databases included CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Scopus. Systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were appraised by A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) or Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. Recommendations were formed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework and reported according to the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research, and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument.

FINDINGS

Sixteen systematic reviews and 27 RCTs met inclusion criteria. Quality varied. Three best-practice principles were supported for the 9 domains: (1) immediate referral for intervention after a diagnosis of high risk of CP, (2) building parental capacity for attachment, and (3) parental goal-setting at the commencement of intervention. Twenty-eight recommendations (24 for and 4 against) specific to the 9 domains are supported with key evidence: motor function (4 recommendations), cognitive skills (2), communication (7), eating and drinking (2), vision (4), sleep (7), tone (1), musculoskeletal health (2), and parent support (5).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

When a child meets the criteria of high risk of CP, intervention should start as soon as possible. Parents want an early diagnosis and treatment and support implementation as soon as possible. Early intervention builds on a critical developmental time for plasticity of developing systems. Referrals for intervention across the 9 domains should be specific as per recommendations in this guideline.

Parent-Reported PEDI-CAT Mobility and Gross Motor Function in Infants With Cerebral Palsy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Index-Computer Adapted Test (PEDI-CAT), a parent-reported outcome measure, and therapist-administered measures of motor function for infants with cerebral palsy (CP) with moderate to severe motor impairments.

METHODS

A prospective, cohort study included 54 infants, ages 6 to 24 months, with CP or high risk of CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III to V. Measures included the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) and the mobility domain of the PEDI-CAT (PEDI-mob).

RESULTS

A significant correlation was found between PEDI-mob and GMFM scores. Significant differences were found in PEDI-mob scores as a function of GMFCS level.

CONCLUSIONS

The PEDI-mob adds value to motor evaluations of infants with CP. Parents can accurately contribute information about daily motor performance for goal setting and treatment planning. The PEDI-mob offers a practical solution when longer assessments cannot be completed.

Usability and inter-rater reliability of the NeuroMotion app: A tool in General Movements Assessments

BACKGROUND

Early intervention after perinatal brain insults requires early detection of infants with cerebral palsy (CP). General Movements Assessments (GMA) in the fidgety movement period has a high predictive value for CP.

AIM

To investigate the NeuroMotion™ app's usability regarding film quality and user experience and to assess the inter-rater reliability of GMA in a neonatal risk group.

METHODS

GMA, inter-rater reliability and film quality was assessed in a cohort consisting of 37 infants enrolled in a multicentre study of GMA as part of the Swedish neonatal follow-up program for high-risk infants. Some of these infants were filmed twice. For evaluation of user experience 95 parents of 52 infants were addressed with a web-based questionnaire. A GMA expert assessed film quality and performed GMA and three on-site assessors, individually performed GMA. Inter-rater reliability was computed using Krippendorff's alpha (k-alpha).

RESULTS

In all, 45 films showed good or excellent quality. The response rate of the questionnaire survey was 40% and revealed predominantly positive perceptions of the NeuroMotion™ app. GMA in 36 infants resulted in substantial agreement (k-alpha = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.3-1.0) between the three on-site assessors' consensus and the GMA expert. Inter-rater reliability for GMA between the on-site assessors was moderate (k-alpha = 0.48, 0.18-0.74).

CONCLUSION

The NeuroMotion™ app produces good technical quality films and the app user experience was overall positive. High agreement was observed between the on-site assessors and the GMA expert. The study design is feasible for more extensive GMA studies in cohorts of infants at risk of CP.

Early intervention evidence for infants with or at risk for cerebral palsy: an overview of systematic reviews

AIM

To perform an overview of systematic reviews and more recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on early motor interventions in infants aged 0 to 3 years with or at risk of cerebral palsy to inform current clinical and research efforts and provide a benchmark to assess future interventions ideally initiated within the first 6 months.

METHOD

Standardized searches of the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were conducted for systematic reviews (2009-2020) and RCTs (2015-2020).

RESULTS

From 840 unique records, 31 full texts were reviewed, yielding three systematic reviews encompassing 46 studies, 16 with comparison groups, and six additional RCTs that met the criteria. Two enrichment- and activity-based approaches had medium effect sizes on motor development, only one with low risk of bias; two others had large task-specific effect sizes but some bias concerns; and three enriched environment studies with some bias concerns had medium effect sizes on cognitive development. Most had small or no effect sizes, bias concerns, and uncertain diagnostic determinations.

INTERPRETATION

Data synthesis revealed limited data quantity and quality, and suggest, although not yet confirmed, greater benefit from early versus later intervention. Research efforts with greater early diagnostic precision and earlier intervention are accelerating, which may transform future outcomes and practices. What this paper adds For over 50% of trials within the reviews, the intervention was compared to standard care with only two showing efficacy. Similar to results in older children, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) emerged as efficacious with high effect sizes. CIMT was not superior to similarly intense bimanual training or occupational therapy. Goals-Activity-Motor Enrichment intervention initiated before 5 months of age was superior to equally intense standard care. Several other enriched environment strategies promoted cognitive and/or motor development.