This assessment allows observation of how your baby is moving. It is a standardised test of movement that can be scored, based on observation of your baby’s movements, by certified assessors trained by the General Movements Trust. Between 12 and 16 weeks of age normally developing babies will have developed a type of underlying movement known as fidgety movements. Babies who have fidgety movements are highly likely to have a good outcome in terms of their general motor (physical) development. Absent fidgety movements indicate that there is a high risk that they will have an underlying movement disorder. 

What is a Motor Optimality Score (MOS)? 

The Motor Optimality Score (MOS) is a detailed GMA that evaluates age-specific motor repertoire including fidgety movements and other movements and postural patterns expected to be present in this period. Scores are predictive of motor and cognitive impairment.

Benefits of having the assessment

Babies who clearly demonstrate the presence of fidgety movements are highly likely to have normal physical development and therefore not require further intervention; this can be very reassuring to parents who have been informed that their baby is at risk of developmental problems due to prematurity or medical problems around the time of birth.

Early detection of a movement problem means that early intervention such as physiotherapy can be started as early as possible to give your child the best possible opportunity to reach their optimum potential.

What does the assessment involve?

The assessment involves your baby being videoed whilst lying comfortably on their back wearing just a nappy. They need to be awake so natural movements can be observed. It is important that your baby is not distracted during the recording as this will alter the movements. The length of the video depends on how old your baby is.

The video assessment can be recorded during a face-to-face appointment with a consultation, alongside a neurodevelopmental assessment or you can record your baby in the comfort of your own home and send the video for review.

Once the video has been reviewed and reported by Dr O’Brien, you will be contacted to let you know the results. This will usually be done over the phone to allow you to ask any questions you may have about the results and what this may mean and to save you from needing to wait to make an additional appointment. However, you are welcome to make a face-to-face appointment should this be your preference. A written report will be sent following all General Movement Assessments.

This assessment tool has a high predictive value relating fidgety movements to physical outcome but no tool is (currently) 100% predictive.