DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/98QP-JB96
Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0003-2201-6700
Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Rehabilitation and Movement Science
First Advisor
Benjamin Darter
Second Advisor
Stacey Dusing
Third Advisor
Virginia Chu
Fourth Advisor
Leroy Thacker
Fifth Advisor
Christine Spence
Abstract
The General Movement optimality score may provide insight into the relationship of term age General Movements and future neurodevelopmental disabilities and could be an early biomarker. This dissertation aimed to determine the relationship between term age neurologic function, measured by the optimality score of the General Movements, and postural control at term and three months (Chapter 2), and the relationship between neurologic function, at term and three months, and 12 month cognitive and motor outcomes (Chapter 3) and the impact of intervention on neurologic function and postural control at three months and on 12 month cognitive and motor outcomes in infants with abnormal optimality scores (Chapter 4). Findings from Chapters 2 and 3 suggest that the optimality score at term age has a positive association with short and long term motor skills and short term neurologic function; making it an early biomarker for future motor skills. In Chapter 4, we compared developmental outcomes of infants who did not receive the intervention, those who received the intervention beginning at moderately late preterm age and those who received the intervention after three months of age. The group that received the intervention before three months of age and the group that did not receive the intervention have similar 12 month cognitive and motor outcomes. However, waiting to participate in the intervention after three months of age was associated with lower 12 month cognitive and motor outcomes. Earlier participation in intervention could be protective in this sample of infants born preterm. We will discuss clinical implications of these findings and areas of future research.
Rights
© Shaaron Brown
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
4-23-2025