Early goal directed neuromotor therapy applied by physiotherapist

Early goal directed neuromotor therapy applied by family

Early goal directed neuromotor therapy (NGDT) is referred to as 'task-oriented' and is built on contemporary system theories of motor control. The development and learning of new skills occur in an interaction between the child, the task to be performed and the particular environment in which the activity takes place.

It includes three sections, the Neurological Examination, the Development of Motor Functions and the State of Behaviour.The data obtained in the second and third sections are not included in the calculation of global optimality scores. The overall score ranges from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 78. At 9 or 12 months, the scores equal or above 73 are regarded as optimal, if below 73 as sub-optimal; while at 3 and 6 months healthy term infants scored equal or above 67 and 70 (median) respectively.

This scale is a norm-referenced observational tool designed for the evaluation of gross motor development in infants from birth to 18 months of age or the acquisition of independent walking. It consists of 58 items and four subscales: supine (9 items), prone (21 items), sitting (12 items) and standing (16 items), which are observed in postural alignment, antigravity movements and surface contact.The obtained score (0-60 points) was converted to a normative age-dependent percentile rank (5th,10th,25th, 50th, 75th or 90th percentiles). A score less than the 10th percentile was classified as possibly delayed motor development.

GAS methods required practitioners to set rehabilitation goals in collaboration with the client and family. or significant others, such as a carer. For each goal, the client and practitioner developed detailed and very specific observable and quantifiable descriptions of possible outcomes Five outcome levels were identified,including the expected or desired level of performance or outcome, 2 levels that would be seen as less favourable and 2 levels that were more favourable. The 5 recommended outcome levels for each goal were assigned numeric values from -2 (the least favourable outcome) to +2 (the most favourable outcome). The expected outcome or goal was assigned 0.