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Visual function of prematurely born children with and without perceptual-motor difficulties
M Jongmans1, E Mercuri, S Henderson
1Department of Educational Psychology and Special Educational Needs, University of London, UK.
Insights
Premature infants often have visual and perceptual-motor challenges. Abnormal stereopsis (3D vision) is linked to motor difficulties, highlighting the need for early screening and intervention in preterm children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Premature birth is associated with increased risks for developmental challenges.
- Visual and perceptual-motor skills are crucial for a child's development and academic success.
- Early identification of deficits can lead to timely interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between visual abilities and perceptual-motor skills in 6-year-old children born prematurely.
- To determine if visual impairments are associated with motor difficulties in this cohort.
- To establish the need for longitudinal assessment and early intervention.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 141 prematurely born children without cerebral palsy was studied at 6 years of age.
- Visual acuity and stereopsis were assessed using standardized tests (Sonksen-Silver Acuity System, Titmus stereo test).
- Perceptual-motor abilities were evaluated using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children and the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration.
Main Results:
- A higher incidence of abnormal linear acuity and stereopsis was observed in preterm children compared to reference groups.
- Abnormalities in linear acuity did not correlate with perceptual-motor difficulties.
- Abnormal stereopsis was significantly associated with poorer performance on perceptual-motor assessments.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants, even without major neurological signs, are at risk for visual and perceptual-motor impairments.
- Stereopsis deficits are a significant predictor of perceptual-motor difficulties in this population.
- Longitudinal assessment of visual function and perceptual-motor skills is recommended for early diagnosis and intervention.
Abstract:
The relationship between visual and perceptual-motor abilities at 6 years of age was investigated in a cohort of 141 prematurely born children without cerebral palsy. Visual acuity was assessed using the Sonksen-Silver Acuity System and stereopsis with the Titmus stereo test. Perceptual motor abilities were evaluated using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children and the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration. The results showed a higher incidence of abnormalities both of linear acuity and stereopsis in the study group when compared to a group of reference children. Whereas abnormalities of linear acuity were not associated with perceptual-motor difficulties, abnormal stereopsis was significantly associated with poor performance on both perceptual-motor tests. Our results suggest that infants born preterm, even in the absence of other major neurological signs, are at risk for abnormal visual function and perceptual-motor difficulties. As these could interfere with everyday life and school performance, a longitudinal assessment of both areas of competencies is recommended so that diagnosis and possible intervention can take place as early as possible.