The association between the early motor repertoire and language development in term children born after normal pregnancy

Abstract

Background: The assessment of the early motor repertoire is a widely used method for assessing the infant's neurological status.

Aim: To determine the association between the early motor repertoire and language development.

Study design: Prospective cohort study.

Subjects: 22 term children born after normal pregnancy; video recorded for the assessment of the early motor repertoire including their motor optimality score (MOS), according to Prechtl, at 3 and 5months post term.

Outcome measures: At 4years 7months and 10years 5months, we tested the children's language performance by administering three tests for expressive language and two for receptive language.

Results: Smooth and fluent movements at 3months of age was associated with better expressive language outcome at both 4years 7months and 10years 5months (betas 0.363 and 0.628). A higher MOS at 5months was associated with better expressive language at both ages (betas 0.486 and 0.628). The item postural patterns at 5months was the only aspect associated with poorer expressive language outcome (beta -0.677).

Conclusion: Predominantly, qualitative aspects of the early motor repertoire at the age of 3 and 5months are associated with language development.

Keywords: Early motor repertoire; Expressive language; General movements; Healthy term-born children; Language development; Receptive language.