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A new study reveals that adults born prematurely with very low birth weights tend to engage in less physical activity compared to those born full-term. Researchers suggest that poorer gross motor skills, such as walking, running, and jumping, may contribute to this correlation.
A collaborative Norwegian-Finnish study published in PLOS ONE compared the physical activity levels of adults born prematurely with a birth weight of less than 1,500 grams (3.3 pounds) to those born full-term with normal birth weights. The study aimed to determine if differences existed and if poorer motor function in adults influenced their activity levels.
“We found a difference in how physically active adults born prematurely with very low birth weight are compared with adults born full-term with normal birth weight. We also saw that poor gross motor skills can account for approximately a third of the difference in physical activity between the two groups,” explained Silje Dahl Benum and Kristina Djupvik Aakvik, lead authors and Ph.D. research fellows at NTNU’s Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine.
The study involved 87 prematurely born individuals and 109 full-term participants, aged 31 to 42, from Finland and Norway. Participants wore activity trackers on their thighs and backs for a week, allowing researchers to track their activity levels around the clock.
The findings showed that prematurely born individuals spent less time running, cycling, and walking at moderate to high intensity. Specifically, they averaged 7.3 fewer minutes of moderate to high-intensity physical activity per day, totaling approximately 50 fewer minutes per week. This translates to 40.4 fewer MET minutes (a measure of energy expenditure) of moderate to high-intensity activity per day.
Researchers also assessed participants’ gross motor skills using the Revised High-level Mobility Assessment Tool (HiMAT), which involves tasks like walking, running, and jumping. The prematurely born group scored lower on this test, indicating poorer motor skills.
“We observed both a clear difference in activity levels between the two groups and that gross motor skills played a role in how much the prematurely born participants engaged in moderate to high-intensity physical activity,” said Aakvik.
The study highlights the importance of physical activity for health, emphasizing that premature birth can increase the risk of health problems. The researchers suggest that early intervention and stimulation of gross motor skills could have long-term benefits for individuals born prematurely.
“This highlights that people are different and that there can be large variations within this group. Nevertheless, the findings of our study provide important knowledge. Prematurely born individuals have an increased risk of experiencing health problems, and physical activity can help prevent them,” said Benum.
The researchers, affiliated with the NTNU Low Birth Weight Life research group, are part of a broader effort to understand the long-term effects of low birth weight on physical and mental health.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided research information. Individual results may vary. This study indicates a correlation, not causation. Further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between premature birth, motor skills, and physical activity levels in adults. This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
