U-CARE researcher Kine Johansen co-authors study on motor difficulties in children born very preterm

Children born very preterm are at increased risk of difficulties across several areas of development, including motor development. In the study, the researchers followed children born in Sweden between 22 and 32 weeks of gestation, from 2 months to 12 years of age. The study examined, among other things, whether early motor development was associated with later motor skills.

The results showed that motor difficulties were common at 12 years of age, even among children without cerebral palsy. Children who showed delayed motor development or atypical motor quality during the first year of life were more likely to have motor difficulties at 12 years of age. Motor difficulties were also more common in children who had experience retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), an eye disorder that can affect children born preterm.

– Our findings highlight the importance of identifying motor difficulties early in life and continuing to monitor motor development throughout childhood. Early assessments can help identify children who may benefit from additional support and follow-up, says Kine Johansen.

Miro Anter