This retrospective re-analysis examined the prevalence of 'fidgety-like movements' at 3–5 months corrected age (CA) and their association with neurodevelopmental outcomes in 402 infants born extremely preterm (<28 weeks gestation) from cohorts in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia, with follow-up between 1–8 years.
26 of 402 EPT infants (7%) showed 'fidgety-like movements'; 52% had adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes (motor delay 24%, language delay 20%, ADHD 16%), but only 1 (4%) developed cerebral palsy. 54% had MOS-R scores below 23, the high-risk cutoff for neurodevelopmental disorder.
Retrospective re-analysis of existing datasets limits causal inference. Follow-up age varied widely (1–8 years), making outcome comparisons across children inconsistent. Small sample of children with 'fidgety-like movements' (n=26) reduces statistical power.
Infants born extremely preterm who show 'fidgety-like movements' at 3–5 months CA are at meaningful risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes beyond cerebral palsy — especially motor delay, language delay, and ADHD — and warrant structured long-term follow-up. A reduced MOS-R score (<23) in this group can help flag those at highest risk.
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