Motor outcomes of children born extremely preterm; from early childhood to adolescence

Abstract

Children and adolescents born extremely preterm (EP; <28 weeks’ gestation) are at greater risk of motor impairment, including cerebral palsy and developmental coordination disorder, than their term born peers. Importantly, motor impairment has implications beyond performing motor skills; it negatively affects outcomes as diverse as school success, emotional wellbeing, physical health, and physical activity (PA) participation. This review will outline what is known about PA participation across childhood and adolescence for children born EP and term, recognising that PA may improve physical, social, and mental health outcomes. Critically, PA participation occurs in the context of children's a..