Joint Laxity in Preschool Children Born Preterm

Area of Science:

• Neonatal research
• Pediatric physical therapy
• Developmental pediatrics

Background:

• Preterm birth is associated with various developmental challenges.
• Joint laxity is a condition that may affect motor development in children.
• Understanding the prevalence and impact of joint laxity in preterm infants is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of joint laxity in preterm infants within the first two years of life.
• To investigate the relationship between joint laxity and motor performance in preschool-aged preterm children.
• To assess the longitudinal changes in joint laxity over time in a subgroup of preterm children.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the revised Beighton Score to assess joint laxity in 132 preterm children (24–32 weeks gestational age).
• Evaluated joint laxity between 12–24 months and motor skills using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (3.5–4 years).
• Recorded age of independent walking and conducted longitudinal assessments of joint laxity in a subgroup.

Main Results:

• Twenty percent of the preterm cohort demonstrated joint laxity, with no significant differences based on sex or gestational age.
• Preterm children with joint laxity achieved independent walking later and scored lower on motor assessments.
• Longitudinal assessments in 76 children showed no statistically significant changes in joint laxity between 25 and over 36 months.

Conclusions:

• The Beighton Score is a valid tool for assessing generalized joint laxity in preterm infants.
• Joint laxity in preterm children negatively impacts motor competence, highlighting the importance of early identification.
• Early detection of joint laxity in the first two years can facilitate interventions to enhance gross motor skills and coordination.