Tests & Measures: A Resource for Pediatric Physical Therapy Practitioners

Peabody Developmental Motor Scale – 2 T&M Article

The purpose of this study was to look at “gross motor developmental function outcomes of infantile and toddler survivors of pediatric intensive care units (PICU)”. This study looked at 35 children aged 1 mo – 3 yr who were hospitalized in the PICU for greater than 48 hours. The baseline gross motor function was measured using the Age and Stages Questionnaire 3 (ASQ-3). At the time of their discharge, the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales 2 was used, which will be further discussed as the test and measure for the purpose of this summary. This tool assesses “fine and gross motor skills of children aged between 0 and 71 months.” It is comprised of 4 sections assessing reflexes, stationary, locomotion, and object manipulation. Each section adds to the child’s gross motor quotient (GMQ) score. There are 7 categories to which the child then is placed based on their GMQ score (very superior: 131-165; superior: 121-130; above average: 110-120; average: 90-109; below average: 80-89; poor: 70-79; very poor: 35-69). For the purpose of this study, below 90 was considered dysfunctional gross motor development. Of the 35 children, 24 were categorized as having dysfunctional gross motor development, leaving 11 without developmental dysfunction. Within both groups many medical factors were assessed. This study found that use of vasoactive medications, length of PICU stay, days on sedatives, and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) days were significantly higher in the dysfunctional group. Their GMQ score was also negatively correlated with length of PICU stay, days sedated, and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) days. It was concluded that “these factors may promote gross motor developmental dysfunction in children.” The main limitations noted in this study was a small sample size, using two different assessment tools (one for pre-admission & one at discharge), as well as not following up with those involved in the study to ask or observe their gross motor function.

This was the first study that was looking at motor development in infants and toddlers, rather than PICU survivors who are now adults. While there were limitations, this study reinforces the need for rehabilitation intervention in children in the PICU to help with their gross motor development so they will not be developmentally delayed.