Usage of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale Thai version by physical therapy students

Abstract

The purposes of this study was to compare the rated scores of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) between physical therapy students and a physical therapy lecturer. Fifty five physical therapy students were recruited. Physical therapy students watched a video cassette and assessed gross motor development of a normal infant using the developed AIMS Thai version. The assessments of gross motor development were performed at the 1st, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 14^th month. The results showed that scores from the students were not significantly different compared with the lecturer ‘s score at the 1st, 6th and 8^th month (p value=0.63, 0.19 and 0.14 respectively). In conclusion, the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) Thai version can be used correctly by physical therapy students and their rated score was as good as the lecturer’s at the 1st, 6th and 8th month. Moreover, the AIMS Thai version is appropriate for assessing infans’ gross motor development by physical therapy students. A well practice is needed before using the AIMS Thai version in clinical practice.