Motor and Oculomotor Performance Assessment in Infants in Primary Health Care Level: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: Assess the oculomotor and motor performance of infants without neonatal risk factors. Method: Twenty six term infants without neonatal risk factors were selected. Infants were six months old when they had their motor and oculomotor performance assessed respectively using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and the Optokinetic Nystagmus, this latter was assessed using a drum with white and black stripes interspersed with each other. Ratings were recorded on video and motor and oculomotor performances were assessed and scored by two evaluators who have been trained and are blind to the study. For data analysis, X2 for reliability analysis and the Mann Whitney test for correlation of continuous variables. The significance level was 5% for every analysis. Results: It was found 15% of assessed infants showed motor development abnormalities and only one infant showed no Optokinetic Nystagmus movement. Conclusion: Term infants have abnormal motor performance and can present absence of optokinetic nystagmus.