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Spatial and temporal postural analysis in children born prematurely
Maria Pia Bucci1, Margherita Tringali2, Clémence Trousson3
1UMR 1141 INSERM-Université Paris 7, Robert-Debré Paediatric Hospital, 48 Boulevard Sérurier, 75019 Paris, France; Vestibular and Oculomotor Evaluation Unit (EFEE), ENT Dept., Robert Debré Paediatric Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 48 Boulevard Sérurier, 75019, Paris, France.
Insights
Preterm children exhibit poorer postural stability compared to full-term peers, especially on unstable surfaces. This may stem from immature cortical processes affecting sensory input compensation in preterm individuals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Postural stability is crucial for motor development.
- Preterm birth can impact neurodevelopmental outcomes, including motor control.
- Understanding postural control deficits in preterm children is essential for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postural stability between preterm and full-term children aged 4-6 years.
- To analyze spatial and temporal characteristics of the Center of Pressure (CoP) during postural tasks.
- To investigate the influence of visual conditions and surface stability on postural control in these groups.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-nine preterm and 29 age-matched full-term children participated.
- Postural control was assessed using a stable and unstable platform (Framiral®).
- Three visual conditions were employed: eyes open, eyes closed, and optokinetic stimulation.
Main Results:
- Preterm children showed significantly increased CoP surface area and mean velocity, particularly on unstable surfaces.
- Spectral power indices of CoP were significantly higher in preterm children.
- Cancelling time did not differ significantly between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Preterm children exhibit impaired postural stability, likely due to immature cortical motor control processes.
- Difficult postural and visual conditions may reveal an inappropriate sensory input compensation in preterm children.
- These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address motor control deficits in preterm populations.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to compare postural stability in a group of preterm-born children aged 4-6 years old and in a group of age-matched full-term control children by exploring both spatial and temporal analysis of the Center of Pressure (CoP). Twenty-nine children born prematurely (mean age: 5.38±0.17) and twenty-nine age-matched full-term control children participated in this study. Postural control was tested on both a stable and an unstable platform (from Framiral®) in three different visual conditions: eyes open fixating a target, eyes closed, and with vision perturbed by optokinetic stimulation. We observed a significant increase of both surface area and mean velocity of the CoP in pre-term children compared to full-term control children, particularly in an unstable postural condition. The spectral power indices increased significantly in pre-term children with respect to full-term control children, while the cancelling time was not different between the two groups of children tested. We suggested that poor postural stability observed in preterm children could be due to immaturity of the cortical processes (the occipital parietal prefrontal cortex) involved in motor control. Preterm children could have an inappropriate compensation of sensory inputs when they are tested in difficult postural and/or visual conditions.
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