Alberta Infant Motor Scale Pdf: A Comprehensive Guide

(PDF) Concurrent Validity Between Live and Home Video Observations from www.researchgate.net

Introduction

As parents, we all want to ensure that our little ones are developing normally and hitting their milestones on time. One of the ways to track their development is through the use of standardized assessments, such as the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS). In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the AIMS, including its purpose, administration, interpretation, and validity.

What is the Alberta Infant Motor Scale?

The AIMS is a standardized assessment tool that evaluates the motor development of infants from birth to 18 months of age. It was developed in 1990 by Dr. Martha Piper and Dr. Johanna Darrah at the University of Alberta, Canada. The AIMS assesses the infant's gross motor development, including their posture, movement, and coordination. It is widely used by health professionals, including pediatricians, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, to identify developmental delays and track progress over time.

Administration of the AIMS

The AIMS is administered by a trained healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. The assessment consists of 58 items, organized into four positions: prone (lying on the stomach), supine (lying on the back), sitting, and standing. The healthcare professional observes the infant's movements and assigns a score of 0, 1, or 2 for each item, depending on the level of performance. The scores are then totaled to obtain a gross motor quotient (GMQ), which provides a measure of the infant's overall motor development.

Interpretation of the AIMS

The AIMS provides a standardized measure of gross motor development, which can be used to identify infants who are at risk of developmental delays. The GMQ is based on the infant's age and gender, and a score of less than 10th percentile indicates a potential delay. However, it is important to note that the AIMS is just one tool in the assessment of infant development, and should be used in conjunction with other clinical observations and assessments.

Validity of the AIMS

The AIMS has been extensively researched and validated, with numerous studies demonstrating its reliability and validity. It has been shown to have high inter-rater and test-retest reliability, as well as good predictive validity for identifying infants at risk of developmental delays. However, it is important to ensure that the AIMS is administered and scored correctly by a trained healthcare professional to ensure valid results.

Benefits of the AIMS

The AIMS provides numerous benefits for healthcare professionals and parents alike. It allows for early identification of developmental delays, which can lead to earlier interventions and improved outcomes. It also provides a standardized measure of motor development, which allows for objective tracking of progress over time. Additionally, the AIMS can help to reassure parents that their child is developing normally, or identify potential areas of concern that may require further assessment.

Comparison of AIMS PDF Versions

There are several versions of the AIMS available in PDF format, including the original version, the revised version, and the second edition. The prices for these versions in 2021 are as follows: | Version | Price | |-----------------|------------| | Original | $55.00 USD | | Revised | $75.00 USD | | Second Edition | $90.00 USD | The revised version and second edition both include updated norms and scoring criteria, as well as additional items to assess motor development. However, the original version is still widely used and provides a comprehensive assessment of gross motor development.

Recommendations for Using the AIMS

If you are a healthcare professional, it is recommended that you receive training in the administration and scoring of the AIMS to ensure valid and reliable results. It is also important to use the AIMS in conjunction with other clinical observations and assessments to obtain a comprehensive picture of the infant's development. If you are a parent, it is important to discuss any concerns about your child's development with your healthcare provider. They may use the AIMS or other assessments to track your child's motor development and identify any potential delays. It is also important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, and some may reach milestones earlier or later than others.

Conclusion

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale is a valuable tool for assessing the motor development of infants from birth to 18 months of age. It provides a standardized measure of gross motor development, which can help to identify infants who are at risk of developmental delays. The AIMS is widely used by healthcare professionals and provides numerous benefits for tracking progress and improving outcomes. However, it is important to use the AIMS in conjunction with other clinical observations and assessments to obtain a comprehensive picture of the infant's development.