Developmental progression and side specialization in upper-limb movements from 4 to 8 years in children born preterm and fullterm

Dev Neuropsychol. 2018;43(3):219-234. doi: 10.1080/87565641.2018.1426765. Epub 2018 Jan 29.

Abstract

This study investigated developmental changes and differences in upper-limb movement organization from 4 to 8 years of age in children born preterm (PT) and fullterm (FT). Kinematic recordings of precision-demanding unimanual movements and lateral assessments were carried out in 37 children (18 PT). All children, particularly children born PT, displayed considerable gain in movement kinematics. Contrary to controls, children born PT displayed persistently less-evident side preference. Gestational age (GA) contributed significantly to kinematic differences shown, with larger upper-limb deviances in the lowest GAs, in agreement with cross-sectional findings of altered hemispheric connections and delayed side-specialization among children born very PT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena / physiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Developmental Disabilities / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Movement
  • Upper Extremity / growth & development*