Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Valentin, T.
The effectiveness of training in Prechtl's method on the qualitative assessment of general movements
[ Dissertation ] Medical University of Graz; 2005. pp.
- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Valentin Thomas
- Betreuer*innen:
- Einspieler Christa
- Kerbl Reinhold
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Prechtls method of General Movement (GM) assessment is a highly sensitive and specific technique for measuring the integrity of the young nervous system. Our aim was to find out whether the ability to assess GMs correctly could be gained after receiving a few days standardised training. We evaluated 796 scoring sheets (containing a total of 8906 assessments) from the final test of 24 training courses held between 1997 and 2002. The results show that 83% of the assessments were correct after completing a basic training course. Additional training leads to a significant increase of 88% correct assessments. In addition, correct discrimination between abnormal and normal general movements was significantly higher after completing an advanced training course (94%) compared to a basic training course (92%). It proved more difficult to assess infants correctly if they had been recorded around term age. Our results indicate that standardised training courses enable professionals in the field of infant and child neurology to apply Prechtls method of GM assessment accurately and that it improves with additional training.