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Coordination of low birthweight seven-year-olds
A M Elliman1, E M Bryan, A D Elliman
1Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London, UK.
Insights
Low birthweight children exhibit poorer motor coordination and increased mixed-handedness compared to normal birthweight peers. Interestingly, left-handedness did not negatively impact performance in the low birthweight group.
Area of Science:
- Developmental psychology
- Pediatric neurology
- Motor development
Background:
- Low birthweight (LBW) is associated with various developmental challenges.
- Understanding the impact of LBW on motor skills and laterality is crucial for early intervention.
- Previous research suggests potential links between birthweight, handedness, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare motor coordination and laterality in low birthweight (LBW) children versus normal birthweight (NBW) children.
- To investigate the relationship between handedness, birthweight, and performance in fine and gross motor skills.
- To explore potential correlations between IQ and motor coordination in LBW children.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 171 seven-year-old children, including LBW and NBW groups, was assessed.
- Evaluations included tests for hand, foot, and eye dominance (laterality).
- Standardized tests were used to measure fine and gross motor coordination.
Main Results:
- LBW children showed significantly poorer performance in both fine and gross motor coordination.
- A higher prevalence of left-handedness and mixed/undetermined dominance was observed in the LBW group.
- Left-handedness did not appear to negatively affect performance in LBW children, unlike in NBW children.
- Girls generally outperformed boys in fine motor skill tests.
- A positive correlation between IQ and motor coordination was found within the LBW group.
Conclusions:
- Low birthweight significantly impacts motor coordination and increases the likelihood of mixed-handedness.
- The neurodevelopmental consequences of left-handedness may differ based on birthweight status.
- Early identification and support for motor skill deficits in LBW children are warranted.
Abstract:
The coordination and laterality of a group of 171 seven-year-old children, free from major disability, with a birthweight of 2,000 g or less, were examined and compared with those of normal birthweight peers. More low birthweight children were left-handed and of mixed or undetermined hand, foot and eye dominance. Left-handedness may adversely affect some areas of performance of normal birthweight but not of low birthweight children. Low birthweight children performed significantly less well in tests of both fine and gross motor coordination. Girls tended to perform better than boys in fine motor tests. In the low birthweight group there was a correlation between IQ and coordination.