This study examines how early motor behavior in infants relates to their later psychomotor development. Researchers will observe both preterm and full-term infants during the first months of life, using video-based assessments to evaluate spontaneous movements and early postural control. These early motor patterns will be scored with the Motor Optimality Score - Revised (MOS-R).
When the children reach 18 and 36 months of age, their development in areas such as motor skills, communication, sensory processing, and social behavior will be evaluated through a caregiver-completed questionnaire.
The purpose of the study is to determine whether early motor quality can predict later developmental outcomes, whether preterm and full-term infants with similar motor scores develop differently, and whether early therapy may improve outcomes for infants with low MOS-R results.
The child was born either preterm or full-term. Both groups are included in the study.
The child completed a video recording of early movements during routine check-ups in the first months of life.
The parents or legal guardians agree to participate and give informed consent.
The child will be available for follow-up at around 18-36 months of age, when parents will complete a developmental questionnaire.
There is no usable video recording of the child's early spontaneous movements from the neonatal or early infant period.
The child has a diagnosed medical condition that makes movement assessment impossible (for example, severe congenital anomalies or conditions preventing typical movement).
Parents do not wish to participate or withdraw their consent.
The child is not available for follow-up, meaning that the developmental questionnaire at 18-36 months cannot be completed.
Participants in this study are infants who were seen for routine clinical follow-up in the Neonatal Unit and the physiotherapy outpatient clinic at Pardubice Regional Hospital and cooperating rehabilitation centers. During their early visits, these infants had video recordings made of their spontaneous movements as part of standard clinical care. Both preterm and full-term infants are included. When the children reach approximately 18-36 months of age, their parents or legal guardians are invited to complete a developmental questionnaire as part of the study's follow-up.
Cohort
Other
Vojta method
Other interventionVojta method, also known as reflex locomotion, was offered to infants who demonstrated atypical or reduced quality of early spontaneous motor behavior during clinical evaluation. The method uses specific pressure stimulation zones to activate innate locomotor patterns aimed at improving postural control, axial stability, and motor coordination. In this study, Vojta therapy was not assigned by the research protocol but initiated by caregivers following clinical recommendation. Therefore, exposure to Vojta method represents a naturally occurring, non-randomized behavioral intervention and is analyzed only for exploratory purposes.
Association Between the Quality of Early Spontaneous Movements and Developmental Outcomes at 18 and at 36 months
The quality of early spontaneous movements will be evaluated using standardized observational assessment in infancy. Developmental outcomes at 18 and 36 months will be compared between infants displaying typical movement quality and those showing reduced or atypical movement quality. This analysis aims to determine whether early differences in spontaneous motor behavior are associated with variations in later developmental functioning.
Correlation Between MOS-R and Specific Developmental Sub-Domains (Motor vs. Non-Motor)
Assessment of the relationship between early MOS-R scores and specific sub-scales of the caregiver questionnaire at both 18 and 36 months. The analysis will distinguish between Gross/Fine Motor scores versus Communication and Social-Emotional scores. The aim is to evaluate whether early motor optimality is a stronger predictor of later motor skills compared to cognitive/language skills.
Predictive Validity of MOS-R in Preterm vs. Full-Term Cohorts
Comparison of the association strength between MOS-R and later developmental outcomes in the Preterm cohort (born \<37 weeks) versus the Full-Term cohort. This measure investigates whether the predictive value of early motor assessment differs based on gestational age at birth.
Developmental Outcomes in Infants With Atypical Early Movement Quality Who Did or Did Not Receive Early Therapy
Among infants displaying atypical or reduced quality of early spontaneous movements, developmental outcomes at 18 and 36 months will be compared based on whether families chose to initiate early physiotherapy. Because group assignment is based on parental decision-making and not randomization, this outcome is exploratory and may be influenced by indication bias.
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