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Neuromotor ability in 5- to 7-year-old children with very low or extremely low birthweight
1Children's Exercise and Nutrition Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Children born extremely low birthweight (ELBW) exhibit slower reaction times and reduced maximal cycling speed compared to normal birthweight peers. This indicates impaired neuromotor control and development, not just smaller body size.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Extremely low birthweight (ELBW) and very low birthweight (VLBW) are associated with potential developmental challenges.
- Neuromotor ability is crucial for overall childhood development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of ELBW and VLBW on neuromotor abilities in 5- to 7-year-old children.
- To compare motor performance between ELBW, VLBW, and normal birthweight (NBW) children.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative assessment of maximal cycling speed, simple leg reaction time, and whole-body coordination.
- Comparison of 14 ELBW, 20 VLBW, and 24 NBW children aged 5-7 years.
Main Results:
- ELBW children demonstrated significantly slower reaction times and lower maximal cycling speeds compared to NBW children.
- Coordination scores were also lower in the ELBW group, with some variables showing differences compared to the VLBW group.
- Reduced motor performance is linked to impaired neuromotor control and development.
Conclusions:
- ELBW and VLBW significantly affect neuromotor abilities in early childhood.
- Impaired neuromotor control and development are primary factors in reduced motor performance for ELBW children.
- Early identification and intervention may be beneficial for children born with ELBW or VLBW.
Abstract:
This study was intended to determine the effects of extremely low birthweight (ELBW, 500 to 999 g) and very low birthweight (VLBW, 1000 to 1499 g) on neuromotor ability in 5- to 7-year-old children. Fourteen ELBW and 20 VLBW children were compared with 24 term control children of normal birthweight (NBW, >2500 g). Using quantitative assessment instruments, the following data were collected: maximal cycling speed during 30 seconds of cycling at 'zero' resistance, simple reaction time of the legs, and performance on components of a whole-body coordination test. The main findings were a slower reaction time, lower maximal cycling speed, and lower coordination scores in the ELBW group compared with the NBW group and, for some variables, with the VLBW group. The reduced motor performance in these children appears for the most part to be a reflection of impaired neuromotor control and motor development, rather than merely a smaller body or muscle size.