Perinatal morbidity, mild motor delay, and later school outcomes.

Full Abstract

Four dimensions of motor competence were evaluated in 4-year-old term and preterm children and were related to academic achievement and use of school services at age 8 years. The objective of the study was to evaluate a graduated 'stair-step' effect between perinatal morbidity, mild motor delay, and later school outcomes in 168 children (88 females, 80 males) stratified into four study groups:
134 healthy term infants > or = 37 weeks' gestation, birthweight > or = 2500g); 134 preterm infants < or = 37 weeks' gestation divided into healthy preterm (n=41), clinically ill preterms (n=59), and preterm infants with neurological illness (n=34). Significant differences were found in total, fine and gross motor performance, and visual-motor integration at age 4 years. Scores for the preterm groups decreased with increasing morbidity. At age 4 years, mild motor delay was found in all preterm groups. Children with mild motor delay had lower academic achievement scores (Wide Range Achievement Test-3) and higher rates of school service use at age 8 years. Perinatal morbidity and compromised motor performance are important precursors of educational underachievement.

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Author information

Author/s: Sullivan, Mary C (MC); Margaret, M McGrath (MM);

Affiliation: University of Rhode Island Women & Infants' Hospital, Infant Development Center, 111 Plain Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA. mcsullivan(-atsign-)uri.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Developmental medicine and child neurology (Dev Med Child Neurol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Feb; vol 45 (issue 2) : pp 104-12

Dates: Created 2003/02/11; Completed 2003/02/26; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12578236, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Analysis of Variance
Birth Weight
Case-Control Studies
Child
Child, Preschool
Developmental Disabilities - diagnosis; epidemiology; etiology; rehabilitation
Educational Measurement
Female
Gestational Age
Humans

Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature, Diseases - diagnosis; epidemiology; etiology; rehabilitation
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Morbidity
Motor Skills Disorders - diagnosis; epidemiology; etiology; rehabilitation
Predictive Value of Tests
Psychomotor Performance
School Health Services - utilization
Severity of Illness Index

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