The clinical and prognostic significance of the method for analyzing neuromuscular characteristics of movements in very preterm infants

Abstract

Human motor functions are formed as a result of a dynamic interaction between the developing nervous system and the musculoskeletal system, the transition from spontaneous fetal movements to the control of upright posture and the development of locomotion. Careful analysis of these motor patterns in early ontogenesis can provide insight into the functional integrity of spinal and supraspinal networks and identify early developmental deviations in high-risk groups, such as preterm infants. The method of quantitative muscle activity analysis, based on the recording of electromyographic and kinematic parameters during spontaneous and passive limb movements, allows for an objective assessment of motor variability, inter-limb coordination, and neuromuscular activation. Using this method, we previously obtained quantitative characteristics and features of muscle reaction formation in term and preterm infants. In the present study, the capabilities of this method are illustrated through an individual clinical observation of a very preterm infant. Despite unfavorable initial clinical prerequisites – extremely low birth weight, pronounced morpho-functional immaturity, signs of periventricular leukomalacia on cranial ultrasound, and very slow motor skill acquisition significantly lagging behind corrected age norms–the application of an objective neurophysiological approach allowed for the prediction and tracking of positive dynamics and subsequent favorable development of motor functions. Thus, quantitative neurophysiological analysis of muscle activity enables an objective assessment of sensorimotor circuit maturation and holds clinical and prognostic significance.