Motor Development in Very Preterm and Very Low Birth Weight Children

Very preterm and VLBW infants had significantly poorer scores on motor tests compared with term infants.

Outcome studies indicate that very preterm infants (≤32 weeks' gestation) and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (≤1500 g) are at risk for delayed educational, social, and behavioral development. Findings from studies on motor development in such infants have been inconsistent but suggest that delayed motor development affects specific adaptive functions, including early exploratory behaviors, engagement in social activities, and handwriting skills.

Investigators in the Netherlands conducted a meta-analysis of 41 studies (9653 children) that included assessment of motor development with one of the following standardized tests: the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, or the Bruininks-Oseretsky …

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics