Abstract
A collection of soft neurological signs including horizontal visual tracking, dysdiadochokinesis, motor impersistence, finger differentiation , choreiform movements, stereognosis, synkinesias,stimulus extinction, and laterality were studied in a cross-sectional population of 114 children(5-12y) without learning or behavior problems to determine the effect of age and sex on the variability of their manifestation. The items were viewed as a composite measure of neurologic maturity and scores on individual items were summed and designated the “Neuromaturation Total” or NMT(interobserver reliability= 0.92).
The NMTs demonstrated a curvilinear distribution with the greatest rate of change occurring between ages 6 to 8 years. A non-linear regression model indicated that 64% of the variability in scores was accounted for by age and sex indicating that NMT is a maturational and sex dependent function and not necessarily indicative of specific brain damage. The regression analysis generated a normative equation:
These normative data facilitate comparison of actual versus predicted NMTs and thereby a means to quantify neuromaturation. NMTs can determine if neuromaturational delay is present as a contributing factor in children with learning disabilities, “hyperactivity” or related dysfunctions.
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Liden, C., Johnson, C. & Oliver, T. 54 NORMATIVE DATA FOR AGE AND SEX VARIABILITY IN NEUROMATURATIONAL FUNCTION. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 372 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00059
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00059
