Psychometric properties of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and culturally adapted or translated versions when used for infant populations internationally: A systematic review.

Abstract

Aim: To systematically review the psychometric properties of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) when used for infant populations internationally, defined as infants not living in Canada, where the normative sample was established.

Method: Seven databases were searched for studies that informed the psychometric properties of the AIMS and culturally adapted or translated versions in non-Canadian infant cohorts.

Results: Forty-nine studies reported results from 11 663 infants representing 22 countries. Country-specific versions of the AIMS are available for Brazilian, Polish, Serbian, Spanish, and Thai infant cohorts. Country-specific norms were introduced for Brazilian, Dutch, Polish, and Thai cohorts. The original Canadian norms were appropriate for Brazilian, Greek, and Turkish cohorts. Across countries, the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the AIMS was generally sufficient, except for predictive validity. Sufficient structural validity was found in one study, responsiveness in one study, discriminant validity in four of four studies, concurrent validity in 14 of 16 studies, reliability in 26 of 26 studies, and predictive validity in only eight of 13 studies.

Interpretation: The use of the AIMS with validated versions and norms is recommended. The AIMS or country-specific versions should be used with caution if norms have not been validated within the specific cultural context.