Early spontaneous movements and spatiotemporal gait characteristics in preterm children

This study aimed to analyze spatiotemporal gait characteristics of preterm children from 3 to 4 years of age according to different gestational age groups and to examine the relationship between the detailed general movements assessment and spatiotemporal gait characteristics. A total of 74 preterm children, 32 extremely preterm and very preterm (EP-VP, < 32 weeks gestational age) and 42 moderate to late preterm (MLP, 32 to < 37 weeks gestational age), were included in this prospective study, along with 38 term children. Early spontaneous movements of preterm children were assessed from videos at 9-20 weeks post-term according to the general movements assessment, which determines the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R). The spatiotemporal gait characteristics of all children were evaluated using the GAITRite((R))electronic walkway at self-selected walking speeds. EP-VP children walked with shorter step lengths (p = 0.039), and MLP children walked with greater step length variability (p = 0.003) than their term peers. The MOS-R results were related to step length (r = 0.36, p = 0.042), step length variability (r = -0.56, p = 0.001), and base of support (r = -0.37, p = 0.038) in EP-VP children. The MOS-R subcategories, age-adequate movement repertoire, and postural patterns were related to some of the spatiotemporal gait characteristics, including step length, step length variability, and base of support (p < 0.05).Conclusion: EP-VP and MLP children might catch up to their term peers at 3 to 4 years of age in terms of most gait parameters. In addition to the MOS-R, age-adequate movement repertoire and postural patterns of preterm children without cerebral palsy in early life may be a marker of later neurodevelopmental dysfunction.