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Growth and motor performance in preterm children at 8 years of age
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Insights
Preterm children showed subtle motor deficits and poorer postural control compared to term-born peers by age 8. These findings highlight the long-term impact of prematurity on motor development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
- Child Health
Background:
- Preterm birth affects a significant number of infants globally.
- Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm children require continued investigation.
- Understanding motor development differences is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare motor performance and postural control in preterm and term-born children at 8 years of age.
- To identify factors correlating with motor impairment in preterm children.
- To assess the long-term impact of prematurity on motor skills.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, long-term follow-up study.
- Inclusion of 41 preterm infants (born <35 weeks gestation) and 26 term infants.
- Assessment of physical growth and motor performance using the Test of Motor Impairment.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in overall physical growth or motor performance between groups.
- Minor motor problems identified in 22% of preterm and 17% of term children.
- Preterm children exhibited less developed postural control and more compensatory movements during balance tasks.
- Motor impairment in preterm children correlated with lower birthweight.
Conclusions:
- Preterm children may experience subtle, long-term motor and postural control challenges.
- Birthweight is a significant factor associated with motor impairment in preterm individuals.
- Early identification and support for motor development are important for preterm populations.
Abstract:
At 8 years of age 41 preterm and 24 term children were followed up in a long-term prospective study of 46 unselected infants born before 35 completed weeks of gestation and of 26 term infants. The two groups were comparable in physical growth and there was no significant difference between them in motor performance, as evaluated with the Test of Motor Impairment. Only minor motor problems were found (in 22% of the preterm and 17% of the term group). In the preterm group, motor impairment was correlated to birthweight. The preterm children had less developed postural control and manifested more compensatory movements during the balance tasks than the term children.