Perceptual-motor difficulties and their concomitants in six-year-old children born prematurely

Author(s): Mercuri, E., Dubowitz, L. M. S., Henderson, S. E.

Journal/Book: Hum Movement Sci. 1998; 17: PO Box 211, 1000 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Elsevier Science BV. 629-653.

Abstract: The aims of this follow-up study were: (I) to compare prematurely born and reference children on tests of perceptual-motor competence, neurological functioning, intelligence, reading and behavioural adjustment, (2) to determine whether perceptual-motor problems among children born prematurely ever occur in isolation, (3) to examine the relationship between the extent of perceptual-motor difficulties and contemporaneous problems in other domains of development and, (4) to examine the relationship between the extent of perceptual-motor difficulties and selected neonatal variables. From a total of 219 eligible preterm babies, 156 children met the inclusion/exclusion criteria applicable to this study. On assessments conducted at six years of age, significant differences between premature and reference children were found on all measures. Seventy five children (48%) had perceptual-motor problems. In 15 of these, (10%) no other problems were evident. Children with extensive perceptual-motor problems were more likely to show co-occurring minor neurological signs and problems of cognition, reading and/or behaviour. In addition, these children had been of shorter gestation and had more frequently shown a brain lesion shortly after birth.

Note: Article Jongmans MJ, Tilburg Univ, Dept Psychol, POB 90153, NL-5000 Le Tilburg, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): perceptual-motor; co-morbidity; prematurity; follow-up; brain lesion; LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT; PRETERM INFANTS; INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE; CRANIAL ULTRASOUND; AGE; POPULATION; ABILITIES; BEHAVIOR; BABY

Zurück | Weiter