Predictive validity of the test of infant motor performance as measured by the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency at school age

Abstract

Background and purpose: As the survival rate of infants who are born prematurely increases, the need for accuracy in early identification and prediction of developmental outcome in these infants is imperative. This study examined the predictive validity of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) and the relationship between perinatal risk and motor performance in children who are of school age.

Subjects and methods: A stratified, random sample of 35 children was selected from subjects who had been examined using the TIMP and the Problem-Oriented Perinatal Risk Assessment System (POPRAS). The subjects were between 32 weeks gestational age and 4 months postterm (mean age=10 days postterm). The stratification was based on age at the time of TIMP administration (AGE) and on POPRAS scores. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP) was administered to the children at a mean age of 5.75 years. Predictive values were calculated and correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between the TIMP and POPRAS scores and the BOTMP score.

Results: Using the receiver operating characteristic curve and a cutoff z score of -1.6, the TIMP's sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were.50, 1.00, 1.00, and.87, respectively. The correlation between TIMP and BOTMP scores, with AGE controlled, was.36, and the correlation between POPRAS and BOTMP scores was -.55. Thirty-seven percent of BOTMP variance was accounted for collectively by POPRAS scores, TIMP scores, and AGE.

Discussion and conclusion: The TIMP and POPRAS may be viable instruments that can be used together to identify infants who are at risk for poor long-term motor performance.