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Visual Perception and Fine Motor Skills Mediate Effects of Very Preterm Birth on Visual-Motor Integration
Anne-Kathrin Dathe1,2,3, Julia Jaekel4,5, Thomas Hoehn6
1Department of Paediatrics I, Neonatology, Paediatric Intensive Care and Paediatric Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|February 4, 2026
Summary
Very preterm birth impacts visual-motor integration, with fine motor skills and visual perception partially mediating these effects. This understanding is crucial for early screening and intervention in at-risk children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Very preterm birth (gestational age < 32 weeks) is associated with developmental challenges.
- The specific developmental pathways leading to visual-motor difficulties in these children are not fully understood.
- Early identification and intervention are critical for improving outcomes in very preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating roles of visual perception and fine motor skills in the relationship between very preterm birth and visual-motor integration.
- To elucidate the developmental profile underlying visual-motor challenges in very preterm children before school entry.
- To provide evidence for targeted screening and follow-up strategies.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 60 very preterm children and 60 term-born controls were assessed at 5-6 years of age.
- Standardized assessments included the Movement Assessment Battery for Children and the Developmental Test of Visual Perception.
- Mediation analysis was employed to examine direct and indirect effects using SPSS.
Main Results:
- Very preterm birth was significantly associated with lower visual-motor integration, fine motor skills, and visual perception.
- Fine motor skills and visual perception were positively correlated with visual-motor integration.
- The negative impact of very preterm birth on visual-motor integration was partially explained by deficits in fine motor skills and visual perception.
Conclusions:
- The findings confirm that deficits in fine motor skills and visual perception partially mediate the effects of very preterm birth on visual-motor integration.
- This developmental profile highlights the importance of assessing both visual perception and fine motor skills in very preterm children.
- The results support the integration of these assessments into routine screening and follow-up protocols for this population.
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