The Infant Motor Profile

The Infant Motor Profile is a practical manual on a new, evidence-based method to assess infant motor behaviour. Not only lookingat what milestones the infant has reached, but also paying attention to the quality of motor behaviour – how the infant moves – this text provides professionals involved in the care of infants at risk of developmental disorders with information on five domains of motor behaviour: variation, adaptability, symmetry, fluency, and performance. Backed up by extensive, up-to-date research, it includes percentile curves so that professionals can easily interpret the infants’ scores. The profile created from the assessment informs about the infant’s current condition and their risk of developmental disorders, as well as providing suggestions for early intervention, tailored to the strengths and limitations of the infant. Used over time, it can be an excellent instrument to monitor the infant’s developmental progress. Illustrated with numerous figures and accompanied by a website hosting over 100 video clips, this text is an essential read for professionals in developmental paediatrics, including paediatric physiotherapists, occupational therapists, developmental paediatricians, neuropaediatricians, and paediatric physiatrists.

1.Introduction 2.Principles of neuromotor development 3.Design, performance and psychometric properties of the IMP 4.Assessment of motor behaviour in supine 5.Assessment of motor behaviour in prone 6.Assessment of motor behaviour in sitting position 7.Assessment of motor behaviour during standing and walking 8.Assessment of reaching, grasping and manipulation of objects during sitting 9.General: items observed throughout the assessment 10.Clinical application and significance of the IMP

Mijna Hadders-Algra is Professor of Developmental Neurology at the Institute for Developmental Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands. Kirsten R. Heineman is a practising paediatric neurologist as well as a post-doctoral researcher at the Institute for Developmental Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands.