• The recently posted information is correct with little changes to be made. Slightly updated information includes:
    • Comprehensive kit cost: $1,391
    • Average Reliability Ranges for Subsections: 0.90-0.97
    • Weakness of Test and Measure: This is not an intuitive outcome; individuals need to be familiar with test before administration and may require training.

 

  • References:
    • pearsonclinical.com
    • Maccow, G. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition [PowerPoint]. Pearson Education, Inc., or its affiliates; 2008. http://images.pearsonclinical.com/images/PDF/Bayley-III_Webinar.pdf

 

Article Summary:

Cahill-Rowley K, Rose J. Temporal-spatial gait parameters and neurodevelopment in very-low-birth-weight preterm toddlers at 18-22 months. Gait & Posture. 2016; 45: 83-89.

 

The purpose of this study was to assess if the use of gait and temporal-spatial components would identify neurodevelopment in very low birth weight toddlers and full term (typically developing) toddlers. Children born preterm (</= 32 weeks) with very low birth weight (VLBW) (n=79), and full term toddlers (n=43) were included in this study with ages ranging from 18-22 months. Ages were adjusted for infants that were born premature.

Gait temporal-spatial parameters were gained through use of GAITRite mat, requiring 2-3 trials with a total of 12 footfalls analyzed during fast walking. A trained individual assessed motor development of premature infants with the Bayley’s Scale of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID-III). The BSID-III scores were later compared to temporal-spatial and gait measurements to assess accuracy, since the BSID-III is already a reliable tool in assessing neurodevelopment in infants and toddlers.

The results of this study indicate that infants born prematurely and with lower BSID-III scores (<85) were born 1 week earlier than those with higher BSID-III score (>/= 85). A wider step width and step length asymmetry was found to be significant in preterm toddlers who scored <85 on BSID-III as compared to typically developing toddlers and preterm toddlers who scored >/= 85. Also gait parameters and GA correlated with BSID-III composite motor scores and gross motor sub-scores.

Weaknesses of this article include relying on parent reported age of when independent walking began, limited amount of preterm toddlers with a lower BSID-III scores (n=12 vs. n=67), and multiple reported sample sizes that conflict throughout article. Strengths of this study include large sample size with concentrated age range and the use of a reliable tool for comparison.

Overall, gait parameters including step width and step length asymmetry may be appropriate for use in the clinic to assess neurodevelopment issues; however, until further research is done BSID-III should be used in combination with gait and temporal-spatial parameters.