Condición motora y estado nutricional de niños prematuros en edad escolar: Motor assessment nutritional status in schoolchildren whom were born prematurely

Abstract

IntroductionThis study was aimed at studying the motor condition, in relation to the nutritional status of premature children and a control group of term infants at school age, living at Rafael Uribe Uribe. Methods:This observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study included preterm children (n=31) and term infants (n=160), between 4 and 12years attending community diners at Rafael Uribe Uribe. McClenahan Gallahue Scale was applied to evaluate the motor condition and other basic patterns, such as throwing, catching, running, kicking and jumping. AnthroPlus WHO 2007 software was used to establish their nutritional status, measuring height, weight and performing calculation of the age adjusted body mass index (BMI). ResultsThe 16.2% of the children were preterm. The average age was 8.6±2.16years, weight 28.4±8.12kg height 128.78±14.39cm and BMI 16.84±2.23. 65% of the preterm group were boys, and socioeconomic level was similar in 59% of both study groups. Regarding motor conditions, premature children were consistent with their age, however some had delayed acquisition of gross motor skills when compared with the control group. Most of children were normal for BMI, height and weight. Conclussion:No differences in anthropometric variables nor motor skills were found in these patients, suggesting normalcy in this school age group.