Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Studying the Integration of Adult-born Neurons
Published on: March 25, 2011
National population-based cohort study found that visual-motor integration was commonly affected in extremely preterm
Jenny Bolk1,2, Ylva Fredriksson Kaul3, Lena Hellström-Westas3
1Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Insights
Extremely preterm birth is linked to poor visual-motor integration (VMI) abilities. VMI deficits in these children are strongly associated with cognitive and manual dexterity challenges.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Extremely preterm (EPT) birth (<27 weeks gestation) poses significant risks for neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Visual-motor integration (VMI) is crucial for daily functioning and academic success.
- Understanding factors influencing VMI in EPT infants is vital for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between VMI abilities and extremely preterm birth.
- To explore the influence of perinatal variables, cognition, manual dexterity, and ophthalmological outcomes on VMI in EPT children.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study (EXPRESS) included 355 EPT children and 364 term-born controls.
- VMI, cognitive function, motor skills, and vision were assessed at 6.5 years of age.
- VMI impairment was defined as a score <-1 standard deviation (SD).
Main Results:
- EPT children had significantly lower VMI scores (87±12) compared to controls (98±11).
- VMI impairment affected 55% of EPT infants, rising to 78% in those born at 22-23 weeks gestation.
- Poorer VMI was weakly associated with male sex and postnatal steroids, but strongly linked to low manual dexterity and cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Poor VMI is prevalent in children born extremely preterm.
- Cognitive function and manual dexterity are key factors associated with VMI deficits in this population.
- Comprehensive assessment considering VMI, cognition, and dexterity is recommended for EPT children.
Aim:
This study aimed to explain the relationship between visual-motor integration (VMI) abilities and extremely preterm (EPT) birth, by exploring the influence of perinatal variables, cognition, manual dexterity and ophthalmological outcomes.
Methods:
This was part of the population-based national Extremely Preterm Infant Study in Sweden (EXPRESS) study. We studied 355 children, born at a gestational age of <27 weeks from April 2004 to March 2007, and 364 term-born controls. At six-and-a-half years of age, we assessed VMI, cognitive function, motor skills and vision. VMI impairment was classified as <-1 standard deviation (SD).
Results:
The mean (SD) VMI score was 87 (±12) in preterm children compared to 98 (±11) in controls (p < 0.001). VMI impairment was present in 55% of preterm infants and in 78% of children born at 22-23 weeks. Male sex and postnatal steroids showed a weak association with poorer visual-motor performance, whereas low manual dexterity and cognitive function showed a stronger association.
Conclusion:
Poor VMI performance was common in this EXPRESS cohort of children born EPT. Its strong association to cognition and manual dexterity confirms that all of these factors need to be taken into account when evaluating risks in preterm born children.
Related Concept Videos
02:44The Born-Haber Cycle
00:57Population Growth
03:24Common Ion Effect
01:26National Nursing Organizations I
01:30National Nursing Organizations II
The AACN emphasizes a healthy work environment through six standards to achieve an optimal patient outcome. The standards are appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, collaboration, authentic leadership, effective communication, and decision-making. In addition, AACN provides certification programs, webinars, journals, and...
01:25What is Population Genetics?