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Developmental parameters and physical fitness in preschool children with Minor Neurological Dysfunction
Halil Alkan, Akmer Mutlu1, Göknur Haliloğlu2
1Hacettepe University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara.
Insights
Preschool children with Minor Neurological Dysfunction (MND) show differences in physical fitness and developmental parameters compared to healthy peers. Early identification and intervention are key for supportive physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Child development
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Preschool years are critical for locomotor skill acquisition due to nervous system maturation.
- Minor Neurological Dysfunction (MND) can impact development during this period.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate developmental parameters in preschool children with MND.
- Assess physical fitness in preschool children with MND.
Main Methods:
- Study included 212 preschool children.
- Assessed development using Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) II.
- Evaluated neurological status with Touwen Neurological Examination and physical fitness with the Preschool Physical Fitness (PREFIT) test battery.
Main Results:
- Preschool children with MND exhibited statistically significant differences in physical fitness and developmental parameters compared to healthy peers (p < 0.05).
- A significant relationship was observed between physical fitness and developmental parameters in this cohort (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Early identification of developmental and physical fitness issues in preschool children with MND is crucial.
- Prompt intervention can facilitate supportive physiotherapy and rehabilitation, optimizing outcomes.
Background:
The preschool years constitute a critical period during which significant changes are experienced in the acquisition of locomotor skills due to maturation of the nervous system. Our aim was to investigate the developmental parameters and physical fitness in preschool children with Minor Neurological Dysfunction (MND).
Methods:
The study was carried out in 212 preschool children without any known health problems. Sociodemographic characteristics of children were recorded. Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) II, Touwen Neurological Examination, and Preschool Physical Fitness (PREFIT) test battery were used to assess developmental parameters, neurological status, and physical fitness, respectively.
Results:
There was a statistical difference in the physical fitness and developmental parameters in preschool children with MND compared with healthy peers (p < 0.05). There was also a relationship between physical fitness and developmental parameters (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Early identification of problems in developmental parameters and physical fitness in preschool children with MND might help to implement early supportive physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
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