AIMS Scale

Assess infant motor development with our Alberta Infant Motor Scale template. Streamline evaluations and track progress effectively.

By Bernard Ramirez on Apr 08, 2024.

Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.

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What is an Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS)?

The is a clinical tool used to assess the motor development of infants aged 0 to 18 months. This standardized scale is used to evaluate the infant's gross motor skills, including rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.

The AIMS comprises 58 items divided into four categories: prone, supine, sitting, and standing. Each item on the scale assesses a specific motor skill, and the infant is scored based on their ability to perform each task.

Healthcare professionals use the AIMS to monitor the infant's motor development progress, identify motor delays, and provide appropriate interventions. The tool is also helpful in predicting future motor development and identifying infants who may need further evaluation and intervention.

The AIMS has been widely used and validated in clinical practice and research, and it is considered a reliable and valid assessment tool for infants' motor development. It is important to note that the AIMS should be administered by a trained healthcare professional and used in conjunction with other assessments and clinical observations to evaluate an infant's motor development comprehensively.

Printable Alberta Infant Motor Scale

Download this Alberta Infant Motor Scale to evaluate infant motor development.

How does this AIMS Scale work?

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is a standardized tool used to assess the motor development of infants from 0 to 18 months of age. 

Here is a breakdown of how the AIMS works:

  1. The AIMS is composed of 58 items that are divided into four categories: prone, supine, sitting, and standing.
  1. Each item on the scale assesses a specific motor skill, such as head control, rolling, crawling, and walking.
  1. The infant is scored based on their ability to perform each task. Each item is scored as "0" if the infant cannot perform the task, "1" if they can perform the task partially, and "2" if they can perform the task entirely.
  1. The scores for each item are added to provide a total score for each of the four categories and an overall score for the infant's motor development.
  1. The results of the AIMS are compared to normative data for infants of the same age and sex to determine if the infant's motor development is on track or delayed.
  1. The AIMS is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to monitor the infant's motor development progress, identify motor delays, and provide appropriate interventions.

It is important to note that the AIMS should be administered by a trained healthcare professional and used in conjunction with other assessments and clinical observations to evaluate an infant's motor development comprehensively.

AIMS Scoring

The scoring of the AIMS is based on the infant's ability to perform each task, which is assessed using a three-point scale. Here is a breakdown of the AIMS scoring:

Each item on the scale is scored as follows:

  • "0" if the infant cannot perform the task.
  • "1" if the infant can perform the task partially.
  • "2" if the infant can perform the task entirely.

The scores for each item are then added to provide a total score for each of the four categories (prone, supine, sitting, and standing) and an overall score for the infant's motor development.

The maximum possible score for each category is as follows:

  • Prone: 24
  • Supine: 18
  • Sitting: 12
  • Standing: 4

The maximum overall score is 58.

A higher score indicates more advanced motor development, while a lower score indicates delayed motor development. The results of the AIMS are compared to normative data for infants of the same age and sex to determine if the infant's motor development is on track or delayed.

It is important to note that the AIMS should be administered by a trained healthcare professional and used in conjunction with other assessments and clinical observations to evaluate an infant's motor development comprehensively.

Alberta Infant Motor Scale example (sample)

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) example template is a chart with 58 items divided into four categories: prone, supine, sitting, and standing. Each item is accompanied by a description of the specific motor skill being assessed and a space for the scorer to record the infant's score.

Download this Alberta Infant Motor Scale Example:

Alberta Infant Motor Scale example (sample)

When to use an AIMS Test?

The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to assess the motor development of infants from 0 to 18 months of age. 

Here are some instances when the AIMS test template may be used:

Routine developmental screenings

Pediatricians or other healthcare professionals may use the AIMS as part of routine developmental screenings to monitor an infant's motor development progress.

Early identification of motor delays

The AIMS can identify early motor delays, allowing healthcare professionals to provide early interventions to improve an infant's motor development.

Assessment of high-risk infants

Infants born premature, with low birth weight, or with other medical conditions affecting their motor development may undergo an AIMS assessment to determine if they need additional interventions.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions

 The AIMS can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to improve an infant's motor development, such as physical therapy.

Research purposes

Researchers may use the AIMS to study motor development in infants or to compare the motor development of infants with different conditions or treatments.

Benefits of free AIMS Assessment

There are several benefits to using a free Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) test template, which is available for download from various online sources. Here are some of the key benefits:

Accessibility

A free AIMS test template allows healthcare professionals who may not have access to the physical test booklet to administer the assessment and track the motor development of infants.

Cost-effective

A free AIMS test template is a cost-effective way for healthcare professionals to assess the motor development of infants, especially those working in low-resource settings or with limited budgets.

Convenience

A free AIMS test template can be easily downloaded and printed, allowing healthcare professionals to administer the assessment in their own time and location.

Improved outcomes

Using a free AIMS test template can lead to improved outcomes for infants, as early identification of motor delays can lead to earlier interventions and better outcomes for infants.

Research purposes

Researchers can use the free AIMS test template to conduct studies on infant motor development, allowing for a larger sample size and more widespread access to the assessment tool.

Why use this AIMS Scale app?

As a healthcare software platform, Carepatron offers users a range of features and benefits, including a free Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) test template. 

Here are some reasons why readers should consider using Carepatron:

  1. User-friendly interface: Carepatron offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and use, making it accessible to healthcare professionals of all technical expertise.
  1. Comprehensive features: Carepatron offers a range of features, including scheduling, progress tracking, and patient communication, making it a comprehensive solution for healthcare professionals.
  1. Integration capabilities: Carepatron integrates with other healthcare software and tools, allowing healthcare professionals to access various resources within one platform.
  1. Free AIMS test template: Carepatron offers a free AIMS test template, providing a cost-effective and accessible tool for healthcare professionals to assess the motor development of infants.
  1. Data security: Carepatron is HIPAA compliant, ensuring the protection and confidentiality of patient data.
  1. Customer support: Carepatron offers customer support to users, assisting with technical issues and ensuring that users can get the most out of the platform.
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Who can administer the AIMS test template?
Who can administer the AIMS test template?

Commonly asked questions

Who can administer the AIMS test template?

The AIMS test template should be administered by a trained healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or pediatrician.

Is the AIMS test template a diagnostic tool?

No, the AIMS test template is not a diagnostic tool but rather a screening tool to assess the motor development of infants. Healthcare professionals should use clinical judgment to interpret the results and determine appropriate interventions.

How often should the AIMS test template be administered?

The frequency of administering the AIMS test template may vary depending on the infant's age, developmental stage, and any underlying medical conditions. Healthcare professionals should follow established guidelines and recommendations for administering the assessment.

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