Paula Araya-Herrera: Generalised Linear Mixed Models: Opportunities for motor developmental trajectories in Growing Up in New Zealand

Poster presentation at the 2023 Science Showcase, titled “Generalised Linear Mixed Models: Opportunities for motor developmental trajectories in Growing Up in New Zealand”.

This presentation explored the application of Generalised Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) in analysing motor developmental data from the Growing Up in New Zealand study. We explained how GLMMs allow for the modelling of complex, longitudinal data, accommodating both fixed and random effects, which is crucial for understanding individual variability in motor development. The presentation highlighted the potential of GLMMs to uncover nuanced patterns and trajectories of motor development over time, considering various influencing factors such as socio-economic status, ethnicity, and birth weight and gestational age. We emphasised how this methodological approach could enhance our understanding of developmental pathways, leading to more personalized and effective early interventions. The discussion also underscored the importance of using large, representative datasets like Growing Up in New Zealand to generate insights that are both statistically robust and relevant to policy and practice.