In the tone and motor patterns and
primitive reflexes sections, a score of 3
reflected responses expected of a fullterm
infant (37-42 weeks gestational
age), a 2 reflected responses expected at
32 to 36 weeks gestational age, and a 1
reflected responses expected at less than
32 weeks gestational age. Exaggerated
responses that are generally considered
to be signs of neurological injury (eg,
shoulder retraction, fisting, or equinus)
were included in a separate column and
were assigned a score of 1. The behavioral
responses section was divided into
three subtests—responsiveness, temperament,
and equilibration—with three
items in each subtest. The three subtests
represented three distinct aspects of behavioral
performance. Items in the responsiveness
section reflect the infant's
general ability to process and respond to
external stimuli, items in the temperament
section reflect the level of the infant's
threshold to noxious stimuli, and
items in the equilibration section reflect
the ability of the infant to return to an
emotional baseline after the stimulation
threshold has been exceeded.