The Structured Observation of Motor Performance in Infants has convergent and discriminant validity in preterm and term infants

Abstract

Aim: Methods are needed to evaluate the level of early motor development and quality of motor performance in infants. We examined the convergent and discriminant validity of the Structured Observation of Motor Performance in Infants (SOMP-I) for evaluating the level of motor development and quality of motor performance in preterm and term infants.

Methods: A regional cohort of 111 preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks and 72 healthy term born infants were assessed with the SOMP-I, at two, four, six and 10 months of corrected age. Convergent validity was analysed with a mixed model analysis of the motor performance over time. Discriminant validity was analysed with the Mann-Whitney U-test in groups with different neonatal characteristics.

Results: Convergent validity was supported, as the level of motor development increased with age and the quality of motor performance improved over time. The method discriminated for both level and quality between the preterm and the term infants. The preterm infants demonstrated different quality deficits regardless of the level of motor development.

Conclusion: Convergent validity and discriminant validity of the SOMP-I were supported in preterm and term infants and facilitates early identification of infants with atypical motor development.

Keywords: Motor development; Motor quality; Preterm infants; Structured Observation of Motor Performance in Infants; Validity.