The general movement assessment in non-European low- and middle-income countries

• Published in: Revista de saúde pública Vol. 52; p. 6
• Main Authors: Tomantschger, Iris, Herrero, Dafne, Einspieler, Christa, Hamamura, Cristina, Voos, Mariana Calil, Marschik, Peter B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Faculdade de Saúde Pública da Universidade de São Paulo 01-01-2018; Universidade de São Paulo
• Subjects: Cerebral Palsy; Cerebral Palsy - diagnosis; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Disability Evaluation; Health Policy & Services; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Motor Activity; Motor Skills; Movement; Neurologic Examination - methods; Observer Variation; Premature; Psychomotor Disorders; Psychomotor Disorders - diagnosis; Psychomotor Performance; Review; Sensitivity and Specificity; Premature; Psychomotor Performance; Disability Evaluation; Infant; Cerebral Palsy; Motor Activity; Psychomotor Disorders
• ISSN: 0034-8910; 1518-8787; 1518-8787
• DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2018052000332

Abnormal general movements are among the most reliable markers for cerebral palsy. General movements are part of the spontaneous motor repertoire and are present from early fetal life until the end of the first half year after term. In addition to its high sensitivity (98%) and specificity (91%), the assessment of general movements is non-invasive and time- and cost-efficient. It is therefore ideal for assessing the integrity of the young nervous system, most notably in lowresource settings. Studies on the general movements assessment in low- and middle-income countries such as China, India, Iran, or South Africa are still rare but increasing. In Brazil, too, researchers have demonstrated that the evaluation of general movements adds to the functional assessment of the young nervous system. Applying general movements assessment in vulnerable populations in Brazil is therefore highly recommended.