Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 15, 2026

A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers
07:24

A Method for Quantifying Upper Limb Performance in Daily Life Using Accelerometers

Published on: April 21, 2017

13.1K

Developmental progression and side specialization in upper-limb movements from 4 to 8 years in children born preterm

Erik Domellöf1, Anna-Maria Johansson1,2, Louise Rönnqvist1

  • 1a Department of Psychology , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden.

Developmental Neuropsychology
|January 30, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Children born preterm (PT) show developmental changes in upper-limb movement, with less evident side preference compared to fullterm (FT) peers. Lower gestational age (GA) correlates with greater movement differences, suggesting delayed brain specialization.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Understanding motor development in preterm children is crucial for early intervention.
  • Preterm birth can impact neurodevelopmental trajectories, including motor skills.
  • Limited research exists on upper-limb movement organization differences between preterm and fullterm children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate developmental changes in upper-limb movement organization in children aged 4-8 years.
  • To compare movement patterns between children born preterm (PT) and fullterm (FT).
  • To explore the relationship between gestational age (GA) and motor development in PT children.

Main Methods:

  • Kinematic recordings of precision-demanding unimanual movements.
  • Lateral preference assessments.
  • Study included 37 children (18 PT) aged 4-8 years.

Main Results:

  • All children showed improved movement kinematics with age.
  • PT children exhibited less pronounced side preference compared to FT children.
  • Lower GA was associated with greater upper-limb kinematic deviances in PT children.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm birth is associated with distinct upper-limb movement organization and delayed side-specialization.
  • Gestational age is a significant factor influencing motor development outcomes in PT children.
  • Findings align with research on altered hemispheric connections in very preterm infants.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Post-Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation with Robotic Technologies for Improved Motor Recovery and Functional Outcomes04:49

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Post-Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation with Robotic Technologies for Improved Motor Recovery and Functional Outcomes

Published on: September 6, 2024

1.6K
Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy08:26

Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Published on: January 11, 2016

12.6K

Related Concept Videos

Arteries of the Upper Limbs01:12

Arteries of the Upper Limbs

The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
2.5K
Veins of Upper Limbs01:17

Veins of Upper Limbs

The human circulatory system, a marvel of biological engineering, is a complex network of vessels that transport blood throughout the body. Among these, the veins responsible for carrying blood from the upper limbs are divided into two categories: deep and superficial.
The deep venous system is primarily composed of the ulnar and radial veins. The ulnar vein, which drains the fingers through the superficial palmar venous arches, and the radial vein, which serves the palms via the deep palmar...
4.4K
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus01:19

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
7.5K
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna01:15

Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna

The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side...
4.7K
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius01:09

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius

The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
5.1K
The Born-Haber Cycle02:44

The Born-Haber Cycle

Lattice Energy 
25.5K