Developmental changes in motor function in girls with Turner syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Turner syndrome is associated with a distinct neurocognitive profile including impaired visuospatial skills and motor difficulties.
• Estrogen plays a role in neurodevelopment and motor control, but its specific impact on motor function in Turner syndrome is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and delineate motor function differences in girls with Turner syndrome compared to age-matched controls.
• To examine the influence of spatial demands on motor performance in Turner syndrome.
• To explore the relationship between motor skills, self-perception, and potential estrogen deficiency in Turner syndrome.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of girls with Turner syndrome (n=78) and control girls (n=145) aged 7-12 years participated.
• Participants completed cognitive and motor tasks, including nonspatial repetitive and spatially mediated motor tasks.
• Questionnaires assessed athletic ability and physical self-image.

Main Results:

• Girls with Turner syndrome performed significantly worse on motor tasks with high spatial demands, particularly the older age group (10-12.9 years).
• Older control girls demonstrated increased motor task speed, suggesting a developmental delay in motor skills for the Turner syndrome group.
• Turner syndrome participants reported lower athletic ability and poorer physical self-image.

Conclusions:

• Turner syndrome is associated with motoric deficiencies, particularly in spatially demanding tasks, indicating impaired motor development.
• Estrogen deficiency due to gonadal dysgenesis is a likely contributor to these motor deficits.
• Estrogen replacement therapy may positively influence motor function, warranting future research.