The Early Moves study is investigating whether a baby’s early movements can predict learning difficulties later in childhood.
This study will help us to better understand how to recognise developmental difficulties early enough to provide support and intervention when babies' brains are most able to benefit in the first year of life, a critical period of brain development.
We think that the movement pattern in very young babies may help us predict learning difficulties. Babies’ early movements develop in a very particular way, and this changing pattern of movements shows that the brain and nervous system are developing well. Sometimes, however, the brain and nervous system don’t develop normally, and this can indicate the baby may be at risk of developmental disorders.
We currently are unable to reliably identify difficulties at such a young age. Predicting learning difficulties early means we can give the babies the best possible start to life by offering early intervention and support when their brain is developing rapidly.
The study recruits participants from ORIGINS and St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals.
Benefits to families
Participants will receive an early screening for risk of cerebral palsy through the 12 -14 week video assessment, and a full developmental assessment of your baby when he/she is two years old. Should any concerns be identified at either assessment, you will receive the best care and support to address these concerns. By being part of this study, you and your child could also be involved in an important scientific advance.
Who is carrying out the study?
The Early Moves study is led by Prof Catherine Elliott of Curtin University, and Prof Jane Valentine and Dr Alison Salt from the Kids Rehabilitation Department at Perth Children’s Hospital. The study also involves ORIGINS investigators Prof Susan Prescott and Prof Desiree Silva from The Kids Research Institute Australia.
For more information
- Download the Participant Information Booklet
- Download the Early Moves Flyer
- Download the Additional Consent Form - two-year timepoint
- email: earlymoves@health.wa.gov.au
- Phone: 0434 938 571
Funding Partners
Thank you to our funding bodies: National Health and Medical Research Council, Perth Children's Hospital Foundation, Channel 7 Telethon Trust, Mineral Resources Limited, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Western Australian Child Research Fund.
