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Difficulty in mental, neuromusculoskeletal, and movement-related school functions associated with low birthweight or

Kinsuk Maitra1, Hae Yean Park2, Jaime Eggenberger3

  • 1Kinsuk Maitra, PhD, OTR/L, is Chair and Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW Eighth Street, MMC, AHC3 443, Miami, FL 33199; kmaitra@fiu.edu.

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy : Official Publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association
|March 4, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Children born with low birthweight (LBW) or preterm face significant challenges in mental and motor functions, impacting their school readiness and academic success.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Low birthweight (LBW) and preterm birth are critical indicators of infant health.
  • These conditions are associated with potential long-term developmental and functional deficits.
  • Understanding their impact on school-age functions is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a meta-analysis examining the association between LBW or preterm birth and school function difficulties.
  • To assess impacts on mental, neuromusculoskeletal, and movement-related tasks.

Main Methods:

  • A meta-analysis of 40 studies was performed, yielding 549 effect sizes.
  • Statistical methods included heterogeneity evaluation (Q and I-squared) and publication bias assessment (Egger's regression, funnel plot).

Main Results:

  • Children born LBW showed significant difficulties in mental (d = -0.655) and neuromusculoskeletal/movement tasks (d = -0.391).
  • Preterm-born children also exhibited significant difficulties in mental and motor tasks (d = -0.237) compared to full-term peers.

Conclusions:

  • LBW and preterm birth are linked to substantial deficits in cognitive and motor functions.
  • These functional deficits negatively affect school readiness and academic achievement in affected children.

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