Early spontaneous movements and later psychomotor outcomes in preterm and full-term infants

A Longitudinal Observational Study of Early Spontaneous Motor Activity, Postural Control, and Motor Optimality Score (MOS-R) as Predictors of Psychomotor, Cognitive, and Sensory Development at 18 and 36 Months in Preterm and Term Infants, With Consideration of Early Therapeutic Intervention

This project will test whether the quality of early spontaneous movements in preterm and full-term infants predicts their motor, communication, sensory, and social development at 18 and 36 months.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: N/A to 3 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Masaryk University (other)
• Locations: 3 sites (Pardubice, Czechia and 2 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT07296003 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This combined retrospective–prospective observational project uses anonymized video recordings of infants' spontaneous movements from neonatal and outpatient physiotherapy visits, scored with the Motor Optimality Score–Revised and detailed general movement assessment. The retrospective component provides high-quality early movement data that cannot be re-created, while the prospective component contacts caregivers when children reach about 18 and 36 months to complete validated questionnaires on motor skills, communication, sensory processing, and socio-emotional functioning. The design compares outcomes between preterm and full-term infants with similar early motor scores and examines whether low early scores identify children who might benefit from early therapy. Statistical analysis will link early MOS‑R and movement patterns to later questionnaire-based developmental outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Infants (preterm or full-term) who have a usable early video recording of spontaneous movements from routine care and whose caregivers can complete follow-up questionnaires at around 18 and 36 months.

Not a fit: Infants without usable early movement recordings, those with severe congenital conditions that prevent movement assessment, or those who cannot be reached for follow-up are unlikely to benefit from this protocol's findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians could identify infants at higher risk for developmental delays earlier and offer timely therapy to improve outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work using the General Movements Assessment and MOS‑R has shown predictive links between early movement quality and later neurodevelopment, though evidence that early therapy based on these scores improves long-term outcomes remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* The child was born either preterm or full-term. Both groups are included in the study.
* The child completed a video recording of early movements during routine check-ups in the first months of life.
* The parents or legal guardians agree to participate and give informed consent.
* The child will be available for follow-up at around 18-36 months of age, when parents will complete a developmental questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

* There is no usable video recording of the child's early spontaneous movements from the neonatal or early infant period.
* The child has a diagnosed medical condition that makes movement assessment impossible (for example, severe congenital anomalies or conditions preventing typical movement).
* Parents do not wish to participate or withdraw their consent.
* The child is not available for follow-up, meaning that the developmental questionnaire at 18-36 months cannot be completed.

Where this trial is running

Pardubice, Czechia and 2 other locations

• Nemocnice Pardubického kraje, a.s. — Pardubice, Czechia, Czechia (RECRUITING)
• Lentilka - integrated kindergarden and rehabilitation center — Pardubice, Česká Republika, Czechia (RECRUITING)
• Lentilka - integrated kindergarden and rehabilitation center — Pardubice, Česká Republika, Czechia (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Lukas Teply, Master degree

Conditions: Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Motor Skills Disorders, Infant, Premature Development, Infant, Term Development, Postural Balance, General Movements Assessment, Motor Optimality Score Revised, Postural Control