World-first research links newborn test with NAPLAN score

A neonatal test conducted minutes after birth can predict whether a child will perform poorly in NAPLAN.

Australian research was the first in the world to determine a correlation between Apgar scores and educational outcomes.

World-first Australian research has revealed a neonatal test conducted minutes after birth can predict whether a child will perform poorly in NAPLAN when they are eight.

Used as an overall measure of a baby’s vitality, the Apgar score tests five physiological signs — heart rate, respiratory effort, ­reflex irritability, muscle tone and skin colour — one and five minutes after a baby is born, giving each sign a score from zero to two for each measure up to a maximum score of 10 overall.

In conjunction with academics overseas, researchers at University of Adelaide and Monash analysed data from more than 60,000 children who attended primary schools in South Australia from 2008 to 2015, finding that compared to babies who have a Apgar score of 10, those who score six or less are at higher risk of scoring at or below the nat­ional minimum standard on the NAPLAN test in Year 3.

The results were the first in the world to determine a correlation between Apgar scores and educational outcomes. While other studies have determined modest links between Apgar scores and low cognitive function, lead researcher Engida Yisma said the analysis was able to show associations were “consistently evident for writing and numeracy domains”.

“These findings may warrant the need for more immediate intensive follow-up of infants born with Apgar scores below six, and the need for educational support at school age,” the study said.

The negative association was found in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy.

Introduced in 1952 by Vir­ginia Apgar, the Apgar score can also be used as a physiological ­indicator of how well a newborn is making the transition from in utero to the ex utero environment. For example, skin colour is evaluated to determine the flow of oxygenated blood, while the heart rate reflects the success in the delivery of oxygen to organs.

While the Apgar score has ­attracted criticism for the subjective nature of the testing, the ­vitality test is the best summary measure of foetal or neonatal condition.