Teresa Alliston PT, MPT

General Movement Assessment (GMA)

This assessment method has shown its merit for the prenatal and postnatal evaluation of the integrity

of the nervous system. Compelling evidence is available that the assessment of General Movements

(GMs) at a very early age is the best predictor for cerebral palsy. This method has become a potent

supplement to the traditional kind of neurological examination. (Statement taken from the General

Movements Trust website.)

Who is the GMA recommended for?

• Infants with high risk indicators

• Preterm infants: infants born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy

• Low birth weight infants: infants weighing less than 2500 grams or less than 5 lbs 8 oz. 

• Any difficulties during pregnancy: gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, etc.

• Infants with genetic abnormalities.

• Any issues/difficulties during pregnancy

• Atypical intrauterine growth.

• Seizures

• Any difficulties, trauma during delivery

• Vacuum assisted deliveries

How to provide a video for the General Movement Assessment (GMA)

• A 3 minute video of the infant is needed

For the video the infant should:

1.  Be wearing only a onesie, with arms and legs exposed

2.  Be placed on a firm surface such as bed or floor

3.  Be placed on a solid colored blanket, sheet, etc.

4.  Be placed on their back

5.  Be awake, content, not fussy, or have the hiccups

6.  Not be distracted by fans, people, lights, etc.

7. The video to be taken from above the infant, not from the side or at an angle.

Example Video for General Movement Assessment (GMA):

https://youtu.be/1d8BPAuVuTo

A therapeutic approach to improve the neurodevelopmental outcome of infants at high-risk for cerebral palsy due to an intraventricular hemorrhage/bleed (IVH).

Hip Migration and Acetabular Index Monitoring for Infants and Toddlers with Cerebral Palsy

For toddlers and children (1 to 4 years of age) with Cerebral Palsy, it’s essential to closely monitor the development of the hips, as they can be at risk for hip migration and/or a shallow, immature acetabulum (hip socket). Regular surveillance is necessary to ensure proper hip alignment and prevent complications.

Key Focus Areas:

• Hip Migration: This refers to the displacement of the femoral head (ball) from the hip socket (acetabulum). Monitoring helps detect early signs of potential dislocation or deformities.
  
  

• Acetabular Index: This is a measurement used to assess the angle of the hip socket. Abnormal angles can indicate developmental concerns or increase the risk of hip problems.
  
  

Positioning for Hip X-rays: Proper positioning of the child during hip x-rays is crucial for accurate monitoring. The right alignment ensures that the hip joint and acetabulum are correctly visualized to track any changes or issues related to migration or the acetabular index.

Regular monitoring allows for early intervention, helping to manage and reduce the risk of further hip complications in children with Cerebral Palsy.

Addresses:

• Hip migration and/or a shallow, immature acetabulum. For children1 to 5 years of age. 

• The risk of future hip dislocations, and/or the need for surgical hip repair or replacement.

Daily standing program starting at age one, and completed by age five.

program for:

• Young children (1 to 5 years of age) with crouched gait.

• Young children (1 to 5 years of age) that are toe walking

Includes:

• Portable bivalve casting from thighs to floor.

• Decreasing the need for Rhizotomies, Botox injections, serial castings

• Daily standing program.