Understanding the challenges: preterm birth and middle childhood psychomotor skills - a case control study

In recent years, there has been a notable advancement in perinatal and neonatal intensive care, leading to a higher survival rate among infants born prematurely. Premature birth may have significant consequences for development, and numerous studies have highlighted the correlation between low birth weight, postnatal growth, and the risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, as well as potential disturbances in cognitive function later in life. The objective of this study was to investigate the physical fitness, postural stability, and psychomotor performance of children aged 8 years, who were born before 35 weeks’ gestation. The study enrolled 40 children born between 24 and 35 weeks of gestation (PCh) and 39 children born at term (CTRL). The European Physical Fitness Test (EUROFIT), postural stability tests using a Biodex Balance System, and the Vienna Test were performed. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the results of PCh and CTRL. The power analysis was conducted by G*Power. PCh achieved significantly worse results (p < .05) in all EUROFIT tests than CTRL. However, they performed better results (p < .01) of postural stability on unstable platform with closed eyes. In the Vienna Test, PCh achieved a significantly fewer (p < .05) correct responses and mistakes, but higher reaction times (p < .01). PCh performed positive correlation (p < .05) between omitted responses and Plate-Taping Test and negative with Sit-and-Reach Test, and with OSI on the unstable platform with eyes closed. In CTRL there was positive correlation (p < .05) between Sit-and-Reach Test and correct responses and mistakes, and negative with median reaction time. Preterm children aged 8 years present reduced motor skills, better dynamic postural stability with closed eyes, and weaker reactivity to stimuli in comparison to their peers born at term. NCT05930522