OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between brain volumes and spatiotemporal properties of goal-directed upper-limb movements in relation to perinatal factors in preterm born children. BACKGROUND: Recent follow-up studies of children born prematurely have generally found worse sensory-motor performance at school age in comparison to term born children. Additionally, a higher incidence of non-right handedness has been described in preterm born children. Yet, our knowledge is still limited in how a preterm birth may affect brain maturation and how this is associated with later performance and motor functioning. DESIGN/METHODS: In the first phase of this on-going, longitudinal study, motor functions have been investigated in 7-9-years-old children born prematurely without early sign of neuropathology (N= 32, Mean GW=32) in comparison to age matched fullterm born children (N=38). Kinematic registrations during task specific upper-limb movements as well as side differences were assessed. Additionally, functional brain structures/volumes were investigated by 3-Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Preliminary outcomes indicating subtle, but still poorer upper-limb performance generated from the kinematic outcome parameters and with less clear side preferences in the preterm-born children. Decreased total brain volume and regional gray matter reduction were associated with more segmented movement trajectories and with gestational age and birth weight.These results suggest that neuromotor functions are less efficient and less lateralized as an effect of a premature birth. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the need for follow-up programs and more refine neuromotor investigations to improve early identification of developmental delays and therapeutic efforts to optimize motor development in preterm born children.
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