Predicting poor physical activity outcomes in children born extremely preterm or extremely low birthweight

Abstract

With increased survival of children born EP/ELBW, it is important to understand long-term health and development, 1 with many international cohort studies reporting poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes across multiple domains for children born EP/ELBW compared with term. 2,3 Less is known, however, about functional outcomes, including PA participation, for children born EP/ELBW. Using a purpose-built questionnaire at 11 years of age, Engan and colleagues found children born at term had better PA outcomes compared with children born EP/ELBW. Within the EP/ELBW group, those without NDD had better PA outcomes. Motor, cognitive and behavioural difficulties at 5 years were considered as possible predictors of PA for children born EP/ELBW, with all three predictors associated with poorer PA outcomes at 11 years. 4