Prechtl General Movement Assessment (GMA) Basic Training - HSE funded course

HSCP Office Funded Course run by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP)

Prechtl General Movement Assessment (GMA) Basic Training - HSCP Office Funded

Important: This is a multidisciplinary event organised by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and funded by the National HSCP Office. Places on this course will be very limited.

Background:

Early identification of neurological impairment is critical to optimising developmental outcomes for infants at risk of cerebral palsy and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The Prechtl General Movement Assessment (GMA) is an internationally recognised, evidence‑based tool for assessing the integrity of the developing nervous system in early infancy. Access to structured GMA training within Ireland remains limited for physiotherapists and occupational therapists working collaboratively across neonatal and early intervention services.

The programme equips clinicians with essential theoretical and practical skills to observe, analyse and interpret general movements, supporting timely referral, intervention planning and family‑centred care. Delivering this internationally accredited training within Ireland builds local interdisciplinary capacity, reduces reliance on overseas courses and supports equitable access to specialist professional development aligned with national priorities for early intervention and integrated child health services.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the typical development and characteristics of General Movements (GMs) in preterm, writhing and fidgety periods of infancy.

• Explain the clinical significance of General Movement Assessment and its predictive value for neurological impairment, including cerebral palsy.

• Identify normal and abnormal general movement patterns using standardised categorical scoring.

• Recognise key abnormal features of GMs, including poor repertoire, cramped‑synchronised and chaotic movements.

• Apply principles of Prechtl GMA to the structured observation and neurological assessment of infants using video‑based analysis.

• Integrate GMA findings into clinical reasoning, referral pathways and early intervention planning within interdisciplinary care models.

• Demonstrate improved reliability and confidence in observing, analysing and documenting General Movements in line with international standards.

Application is via ISCP website.

Expressions of interest are now open, and close 5pm, 5th August 2026

For more information and to apply please visit the ISCP website here.