A Neuromotor Screening Test for High-Risk Infants in a Hospital or Community Setting

Abstract

The Infant Neuromotor Assessment (INA) is a screening test that aims to identify high-risk infants who require comprehensive neuromotor evaluation. The test consists of 20 items and takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Good interobserver reliability (r (s) = 0.96) was found when 15 infants were assessed independently by two testers. The predictive value was assessed on 242 high-risk infants who were evaluated between 16 and 24 weeks corrected age and again after 12 months of age. A positive predictive value of 85.3% was found with five or more deviant signs and a negative predictive value of 98.6% in the presence of zero or one deviant sign. The practical implications of these findings are discussed and a policy for follow-up of infants at risk for developmental disability is suggested.