Characteristics of general movements in preterm infants assessed by computer-based video analysis.

Background: Previous evidence suggests that the variability of the spatial center of infant movements, calculated by computer-based video analysis software, can identify fidgety general movements (GMs) and predict cerebral palsy.

Aim: To evaluate whether computer-based video analysis quantifies specific characteristics of normal fidgety movements as opposed to writhing general movements.

Methods: A longitudinal study design was applied. Twenty-seven low-to moderate-risk preterm infants (20 boys, 7 girls; mean gestational age 32 [SD 2.7, range 27-36] weeks, mean birth weight 1790 grams [SD 430g, range 1185-2700g]) were videotaped at the ages of 3-5 weeks (period of writhing GMs) and 10-15 weeks (period of fidgety GMs) post term. GMs were classified according to Prechtl's general movement assessment method (GMA) and by computer-based video analysis. The variability of the centroid of motion (C), derived from differences between subsequent video frames, was calculated by means of computer-based video analysis software; group mean differences between GM periods were reported.

Results: The mean variability of the centroid of motion (C) determined by computer-based video analysis was 7.5% lower during the period of fidgety GMs than during the period of writhing GMs (p = 0.004).

Conclusion: Our findings support that the variability of the centroid of motion reflects small and variable movements evenly distributed across the body, and hence shows that computer-based video analysis qualifies for assessment of direction and amplitude of FMs in young infants.