Control In Preschool Children Research Articles

The Association Between Motor Competence and Inhibitory Control in Preschool Children

Background: Inhibitory control is a higher-order cognitive function that affects children’s lives and learning, and the development of inhibitory control plays a vital role in the overall development of preschool children. However, most studies have paid more attention to inhibitory and physical fitness, but less focus on motor competence. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the association between motor competence and inhibitory control in preschool children. Methods: A total of 160 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years were selected using a stratified random sampling method, and both motor ability and inhibitory control were assessed. Motor competence was assessed via the Children’s Motor Assessment Battery, Version 2 (MABC-2). Inhibitory control was assessed using the one-on-one iPad-based Early Year Toolbox and reflected by reaction time and accuracy. Results: A total of 153 preschoolers were included in the final statistical analysis. After adjusting the confounders, motor competence was associated with accuracy (β = 0.010, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.017). Similarly, a negative association was observed between motor competence and reaction time (β = −0.008, 95% CI: −0.014, −0.002). Compared with the participants in the lowest group, motor competence (β = 0.051 95% CI: 0.003, 0.098), manual dexterity (β = 0.106 95% CI: 0.043, 0.170), and balance (β = 0.065 95% CI: 0.002, 0.129) were all positively associated with accuracy of those in the highest group. Conclusions: A positive relationship between motor competence and the accuracy of inhibitory control was observed in preschoolers, whereas a negative relationship between motor competence and the reaction time of inhibitory control was also identified. Enhancing preschool children’s motor competence is likely to facilitate their development of inhibitory control.

The effects of structured coordinative exercise protocol on physical fitness, motor competence and inhibitory control in preschool children

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a structured coordinative exercise intervention based on motor skill elements on physical fitness (PF), motor competence (MC) and inhibitory control (IC) in preschool children. A total of 41 kindergarten children (27 boys and 17 girls) aged between 5 and 6 years participated and were divided into exercise (EG; n = 18) and control (CG; n = 23) groups. The exercise group participated in a structured coordinative exercise programme focusing on locomotor and balance skills such as side-stepping, galloping, jumping and running for 30 min, 2 days a week for 8 weeks. The control group followed the normal curriculum. Children participated in measurements before and after 8 weeks, respectively; motor competence was assessed using the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK3+) test battery, which includes eye-hand coordination and other coordinative skills. Physical fitness was measured by balance, agility and vertical jump tests. Inhibitory control was assessed using the Go/NoGo test in the Early Years Toolbox. As a result of the two-factor analysis of variance for mixed measures to determine whether being in the exercising group had a significant effect on the test scores, group by time interaction effect showed that the increase in the scores of the exercise group was significantly higher than that of the control group in the parameters of static balance, KTK sideways jump and KTK eye-hand coordination [respectively: F(1−39) = 6.993, p = 0.012; 6.443, p = 0.015; 8.180, p = 0.007). The results show that structured coordinative exercises improve PF and MC but have no significant effect on IC. This study targets the development of motor and cognitive skills considered to be important in preschool children and is one of the few studies to evaluate these parameters simultaneously. It also provides a comprehensive perspective on interventions aimed to positively affect health and development in early childhood.Trial Registration: NCT06631248. Registered on October 07, 2024.

The prediction of emotional decision making from working memory and inhibitory control in preschool children: using decision tree model

ABSTRACT While there is a theoretical distinction between cool (cognitive) and hot (emotional) executive functions, potential relationships can be identified between tasks associated with these two aspects. A decision tree serves as a model for training and analyzing data, predicting the target variable based on independent variables in a hierarchical fashion. In contrast to other predictive methods, this model doesn’t necessitate statistical expertise and makes decisions akin to human decision-making through hierarchical “if” and “then” rules, providing an easily interpretable framework. To date, no studies have explored the relationship between cool and hot executive functions using decision tree models. In this study, preschool children specifically Persian-speaking Iranian children aged 4 to 5 years (N = 71, M age = 59.07; SD = 6.03), participated in cool (Forward Digit Span, Backward Digit Span, Day-Night inhibitory control, and Happy-Sad Inhibitory control) and hot (Children Gambling Task) executive function tasks. Analyses were performed using MATLAB programming software. The C4.5 version of the decision tree was employed to predict the final CGT blocks’ scores using scores from cool executive function tasks as inputs. By employing this method, a minimal prediction error (approaching zero) was achieved, significantly showing the robust predictive capability of cool executive function in anticipating hot executive function. This outcome suggests potential relationships between the cognitive and emotional aspects of executive function.

Small airway function in predicting asthma control in preschool children

AbstractAsthma control in children is often challenging. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the potential contribution of small airway function in predicting asthma control within a 2‐ to 3‐month period following the initial diagnosis in preschool children with asthma. A total of 219 preschool children diagnosed with asthma were enrolled, and their follow‐up was conducted by pediatric pulmonary physicians. Clinical history and lung function results were collected for analysis. To identify risk factors associated with poor asthma control, a multivariable regression model was employed. Sixty‐nine of the patients (31.5%) exhibited poor asthma control. Poor adherence to therapy (14.5% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.038) and the presence of severe airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) (20.6% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001) were more prevalent in the group with poor control. Additionally, baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s in predicting (94.5% vs. 101.4%, p = 0.001), forced expiratory flows (FEF)50% (66.1% vs. 86.0%, p < 0.001), FEF75% (60.9% vs. 75.3%, p = 0.001), and FEF25–75% (70.9% vs. 86.0%, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the poorly‐controlled group than those of well‐controlled group. There was no significant difference in forced vital capacity in predicting (FVC%) between the two groups (92.4% vs. 96.7%, p = 0.093). Multivariable regression model unveiled initial severe AHR (OR 8.595, 95%CI 1.241–59.537, p = 0.021) and decreased FEF50% (OR 0.971, 95%CI 0.949–0.994, p = 0.012) were significantly associated with short‐term poor asthma control. Preschool children with asthma who exhibites initial severe AHR and/or decreased FEF50% faces an elevated risk of encountering poor asthma control during the subsequent 2–3 months.

Enhancement plaque control in preschool children by an intelligent brushing guide device.

This study aims to investigate the impact of a tooth-brushing guidance system on the enchancement of the dental plaque removal in preschool children. In this study, we selected a group of 124 healthy children in which their aged were between 3 and 5 years old following by treatment at the Pediatric Dentistry Center at Jinzhou Stomatological Hospital (JinZhou, Liaoning Province, China). We then followed up to check and identify the Turesky modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index (TMQHPI). Study group was randomly assigned to an experimental group in which they received constantly guidance on intelligent tooth-brushing and a control group which was used by manual brushing techniques. The total numbers in each group were 62 participants that were gone under the clinical investigation for seven days. The plaque index of both groups were assessed by using a plaque display instrument and a periodontal probe for up day 28. It was shown that the experimental group had a lower average TMQHPI value (0.98 ± 0.15) in comparison with control group (1.41 ± 0.17), and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The experimental group had a significantly lower TMQHPI value (0.89 ± 0.13) on the tongue/palatal side of the anterior teeth area in comparison with control group (1.41 ± 0.17) (p < 0.05). We observed that experimental group showed significantly lower TMQHPI value (1.16 ± 0.12) on the tongue/palatal side of the posterior dental region in comparison with control group (1.70 ± 0.13) (p < 0.05). It was confirmed a significant difference in the average plaque clearance rate between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). Our study clearly indicates that a developed method of toothbrush guide effectively improved the removal rate of plaque compared with manual tooth-brush, specifically in hard-to-reach areas like the tongue and palate.

Связь контроля поведения и свободной игры у детей дошкольного возраста

The article presents the results of a study of the characteristics of behavioral control in preschool children in free play. The relevance of this topic is due to the need to study the current stage of development of children's play and the incompleteness of data on the relationship between self-regulation and the characteristics of children's play. Self-regulation is considered as behavioral control - a regulatory function of the subject, based on his individual resources. The purpose of this research is to study how the level of development of various components of behavioral control and the features of free play are connected in the free play of modern preschoolers, various aspects of behavior control manifest themselves and develop, and also what impact they can have on the game itself. The study involved 35 students from a state budgetary educational institution in Moscow aged 4 to 6 years. The main research methods were testing, as well as participant observation of children's play activity. The results showed that cognitive control, to a greater extent, its verbal component, is associated with the severity of the main structural elements of the play (role, plot, rules), as well as with the independence of the child in the course of building and maintaining a in-play situation. Cognitive control also contributes to a greater ordering of children's actions and independence during play, contributes to building more structured and predictable behavior and, in turn, better interaction between children. Control of action is also related to the severity of the main structural elements of the game (role, plot, rules). There were no links between the features of the play and emotional control. The obtained data can help to better understand both the mechanisms of development and manifestation of behavior control in the free play activities of children, and also for a better understanding of the features of modern play.

Correlation between impulse oscillometry parameters and test for respiratory and asthma control in kids (TRACK) in asthma control of preschoolers with asthma

Little research has been conducted to evaluate the correlation between impulse oscillometry (IOS), Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT), and Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids (TRACK). This study was conducted at China Medical University Hospital between September 1, 2019, and March 31, 2021. Children aged 2-6 years who had been diagnosed with asthma with acute exacerbation were enrolled and followed-up until the end of the study. Correlations between the parameters of IOS, C-ACT and TRACK were assessed. The validity and reliability of TRACK were verified. A total of 114 children with asthma and acute exacerbations were recruited. Their mean age was 4.1±1.1 years, and 60.5% were males. After a year of treatment, the change of R5-R20 from baseline 0.64±0.38kPa/L/s to 12th month 0.48±0.2kPa/L/s (p=0.022). TRACK and C-ACT scores were significantly correlated during the observation period. R5-R20 in IOS at baseline and at the 12th month of follow-up as well as the change in IOS parameters were significantly associated with C-ACT (p=0.003, 0.015, and 0.001, respectively). R5% and R5-R20 changes in IOS were associated with TRACK (p=0.04 and 0.025, respectively). Sensitivity and specificity of TRACK were 80.8% (67.5-90.4) and 100% (94.1-100), respectively, with cut-off points >95 and AUC 93.8%. TRACK score appears to have a stronger association with the IOS parameter than C-ACT score. Our findings indicate that TRACK is a valid tool for assessing asthma control in preschool children.

Virtual reality and embodied learning for improving letter-sound knowledge and attentional control in preschool children: A study protocol

Previous studies have shown that many children struggle with the acquisition of literacy skills and that these problems can be observed since the earliest stages of literacy learning. Embodied learning has been highlighted as a way to enhance the acquisition of early literacy skills. In addition, the use of technologies has been suggested as way of improving attentional control and motivation, which ultimately can improve learning outcomes. However, the combination of Virtual Reality (VR) and embodied learning in preschool children is yet to be explored wherefore the idea to the VR PLAYMORE study emerged. The project is designed as a three-armed randomized controlled trial with 6-7-year-old children in the Copenhagen area of Denmark. Children will be allocated to either a: 1) VR group, 2) mirror group or 3) control group throughout a 2-week intervention period. The VR group and mirror group will perform activities designed with accordance to the embodied learning theory. However, the VR group will perform the activities while wearing VR headsets whereas the mirror group will perform the activities in front of a whole-body mirror without VR headsets. The control group will continue regular teaching activities without the research group interruption. This study protocol follows the SPIRIT guidelines. Outcome measurements will include testing of literacy skills and attentional control. The study will add new knowledge to the research field of embodied learning and the use of VR technology in a school setting with focus on reading- and spelling-related skills and attentional control since this combination is yet to be explored.

Relationship Between Toilet Training Readiness and Children’s Stress With Enuresis Control in Preschool Children

Enuresis fungsional (mengompol) adalah gangguan pengeluaran urine yang involunter saat tidur siang/ malam pada anak usia lebih empat tahun tanpa adanya kelainan fisik maupun penyakit organik. Dampaknya adalah anak menjadi tidak percaya diri, malu serta hubungan social dengan teman terganggu. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan kesiapan toilet training dan stress anak dengan control enuresis. Metode penelitian menggunakan desain analitik dengan pendekatan crossectional. Sampel adalah ibu yang memiliki anak berusia 4-6 tahun. Pengambilan sampel dengan random sampling. Pengumpulan data dengan wawancara langsung menggunakan ceklist . Uji statistik dengan Chi-Square dengan derajat kepercayaan 95% (α=0,05). Didapatkan 22,7% tidak mampu mengontrol enuresis, 22,7 % belum siap melaksanakan toilet training, dan 28,8 % mengalami stress. Analisis statistic didapatkan nilai p=value 0,000. Artinya ada hubungan yang signifikan antara kesiapan toilet training dan stress dengan control enuresis. Kemampuan anak mengontrol enuresis berhubungan dengan kesiapan toilet training dan stress anak .

Effect of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza vaccinations on infections, immune response and asthma control in preschool children with asthma.

Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and influenza vaccines are administered in children to prevent infections caused by these pathogens. The benefits of vaccination for asthma control in children and the elicited immune response are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of these vaccinations on respiratory infections, asthma symptoms, asthma severity and control status, pathogen colonization and in vitro immune responses to different stimulants mimicking infections in asthmatic children. Children aged 4-6 years were recruited into the multicentre prospective PreDicta study conducted across five European countries. Information about vaccination history, infections, antibiotic use, inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use and asthma symptoms in the last 12 months were obtained from questionnaires of the study. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected at the first visit to assess bacterial and viral colonization, and venous blood for isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The PBMCs were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin, R848, Poly I:C and zymosan. The levels of 22 cytokines and chemokines were measured in cell culture supernatants using a luminometric multiplex assay. One-hundred and forty asthmatic preschool children (5.3 ± 0.7 years) and 53 healthy children (5.0 ± 0.8 years) from the PreDicta cohort were included in the current study. Asthmatic children were associated with more frequent upper and lower respiratory infections, and more frequent and longer duration of antibiotic use compared with healthy children. In asthmatic children, sufficient H. influenzae vaccination was associated with a shorter duration of upper respiratory infection (URI) and overall use and average dose of ICS. The airway colonization was characterized by less pneumococcus and more rhinovirus. Pneumococcal vaccination was associated with a reduction in the use rate and average dose of ICS, improved asthma control, and less human enterovirus and more H. influenzae and rhinovirus (RV) airway colonization. Influenza vaccination in the last 12 months was associated with a longer duration of URI, but with a decrease in the occurrence of lower respiratory infection (LRI) and the duration of gastrointestinal (GI) infection and antibiotic use. Asthmatic preschoolers vaccinated with H. influenzae, pneumococcus or influenza presented higher levels of Th1-, Th2-, Th17- and regulatory T cells (Treg)-related cytokines in unstimulated PBMCs. Under stimulation, PBMCs from asthmatic preschoolers with pneumococcal vaccination displayed a predominant anti-inflammatory immune response, whereas PBMCs from asthmatic children with sufficient H. influenzae or influenza vaccination were associated with both pro- and anti-inflammatory immune responses. In asthmatic preschoolers, the standard childhood vaccinations to common respiratory pathogens have beneficial effects on asthma control and may modulate immune responses relevant to asthma pathogenesis.

The effect of Adenotonsillectomy on asthma control in preschool children with obstructive sleep apnea

The effect of Adenotonsillectomy on asthma control in preschool children with obstructive sleep apnea

Promoting Inhibitory Control in Preschool Children Through Music-Movement Activities in the Classroom

ABSTRACT Executive function (EF) is an early cognitive skill that rapidly develops during the preschool years. One of the common EF issues in young children is inhibitory control. This study investigates the impact of music-movement activities on children’s inhibitory control. We designed the music-movement training (MMT) program for preschoolers to practice monitoring and controlling their actions. A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design was used to investigate the effectiveness of the MMT program on children’s EF. Preschoolers age 4–5 years old were assigned to receive the 45-minute MMT, three times/week, for eight weeks (n = 39; 21 boys, mean age 4.36 ± 0.42 years), or regular classroom activities (n = 40; 17 boys, mean age 4.49 ± 0.29 years). After training, the MMT group showed greater improvement in the performance of inhibitory control tasks as compared to the control group, but showed no significant change in working memory and cognitive flexibility. In conclusion, music-movement activities may be helpful for teachers to enhance inhibitory control in preschool children. We suggest that the preschool curriculum should emphasize more music-movement activities by integrating them into everyday learning activities.

Relationship Between Gross Motor Skills and Inhibitory Control in Preschool Children: A Pilot Study.

PurposeGross motor skills (GMS) and inhibitory control (IC) which are both development in preschool stage is significant for preschooler to healthy growth. However, the evidence of relationship between them in preschoolers are still insufficient, most of studies only focus on youth. Thus, the aim of this research is to examine the association between GMS and IC in preschool children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used baseline data from a previous intervention study of preschoolers conducted in 2018. GMS were assessed by using the Test for Gross Motor Development (2nd edition) in preschoolers, which includes two subtests of locomotor and object control skills. Total GMS is calculated from the sum of these two subtests. The Fish Flanker task was used to evaluate both accuracy and reaction time of IC. Multivariate linear regression models were established to analyze the relationships between GMS and IC.ResultsA total of 123 preschool-age children (55 girls, 68 boys) were included in the final analysis. After adjusting for confounders, GMS (β = −8.27 ms, 95%CI: −14.2, −2.34), locomotor (β = −11.2 ms, 95%CI: −21.43, −0.97), and object control skills (β = −12.15 ms, 95%CI: −22.07, −2.23) were all negatively related with reaction time of IC.ConclusionThere was a significant negative correlation between gross motor skills and the reaction time of inhibitory control in preschool children. Further research is needed to verify this finding in prospective and experimental studies.

The association between the health-related physical fitness and inhibitory control in preschool children

BackgroundInhibitory control develops rapidly during the preschool stage, and development of inhibitory control in this period is significant for the healthy growth of the future. However, most studies paid more attention to children and adolescents in recent years, but less focus on preschool children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the association between the health-related physical fitness and inhibitory control in preschool children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on a baseline data from randomized controlled trial by cluster sampling(including 128 preschoolers, 70 boys, 58girls).The health-related physical fitness T-score (HPFT) was obtained by adding standard scores of six indicators: body mass index, handgrip strength, standing long jump, one-leg balance, 2 × 10 m shuttle run test, and 20 m shuttle run test. Inhibitory control was assessed using the flanker task and reflected by reaction time and accuracy.ResultsA total of 120 preschoolers were included in the final statistical analysis. After adjusting the confounders, HPFT was associated with reaction time (β=-2.49 ms, 95%CI: -4.22, -0.75). Similarly, a negative association was observed between one-leg balance and reaction time (β=-12.04 ms, 95%CI: -18.94, -5.15), and between 20 m shuttle run test and reaction time (β=-23.28 ms, 95%CI: -37.00, -9.56). Compared with the participants in the lowest tertile, HPFT (β=-158.74, 95%CI: -309.63, -7.84), one-leg balance (β=-267.25 ms, 95%CI: -420.71, -113.79) and 20 m shuttle run test (β=-215.58 ms, 95%CI: -374.67, -56.49) were all negatively associated with reaction time of those in the highest tertile.ConclusionsNegative relationships between HPFT and RT of the inhibitory control were observed in preschoolers. To have better inhibitory control, it’s suggested that HPFT of preschoolers should be at least 249. These findings are of great significance for the early improvement of HPFT and the development of inhibitory control in preschool children.

Factors Associated With Asthma Control in 121Preschool Children.

Data on risk factors for uncontrolled asthma in preschool children are controversial. Objective: This study aims to explore the association between clinical and functional parameters and the lack of asthma control in preschool children. Children aged 3-5 years with asthma and healthy controls were recruited. A questionnaire was used to identify potential risk factors for uncontrolled asthma, as defined by the Global INitiative for Asthma criteria. Lung function and bronchial reversibility were evaluated through impulse oscillometry and spirometry. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated based on multivariable generalized additive regression models. The discriminative ability of the models was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The study population comprised 121 children (107 with asthma and 14 healthy controls). Fifty-three patients (50%) had uncontrolled asthma. After adjustment, the variables associated with an increased risk of lack of control were as follows: "More than 3 flare-ups in the last 12 months", "Moderate to severe rhinitis", and "Relative variation in postbronchodilator FVC and FEV1". The AUC of the final models that included variation in FVC or FEV1 were 0.82 and 0.81, respectively. The R5-20, R5-20%, and AX z-score values of the healthy group were lower than those of children with asthma. In preschool children, clinical and functional parameters are associated with uncontrolled asthma. More studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of impulse oscillometry.

Moving to The Beats: The Effect of Dance Education on Early Self-Regulation

Self-regulation in children is an important thing that needs to be prepared from an early age. Besides affecting children's school readiness, this also makes it easier for children to have good academic achievements. This study aims to determine the influence of moving to the beat of early childhood self-regulation. This research was conducted on kindergarten group B students in East Jakarta. The research method used is a quasi-experiment method with a sample of 20 students. The data collection technique uses observations by analysing paired t-test statistical data. The results of the study explained that there was a significant effect of moving to the beat of early childhood self-regulation. The significance level is 0.000 &lt; 0.05, which means that H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted, this indicates a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test. For further research, it is recommended to look at the influence of other factors on early childhood self-regulation.&#x0D; Keywords: Beats, Early childhood, Moving, Self-Regulation&#x0D;

Cross-cultural validation of the Portuguese from Portugal version of the Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids (TRACK) questionnaire.

Introduction. The Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids (TRACK) is a tool to assess asthma control in preschool children. This study aims to validate the Portuguese from Portugal version of the TRACK questionnaire. Methods. A prospective cohort study was carried out to assess their psychometric characteristics. Caregivers of 141 children under age 5 with asthma symptoms were enrolled. Results. Internal reliability was close to 0.70 (Cronbach's α). The test-retest reliability was 0.87. TRACK scores were different between well, partially, and non-controlled asthma groups (p less than 0.001). Patients rated as having better control showed an increase in TRACK scores. Conclusions. The Portuguese version of the TRACK questionnaire is accurate and reliable for monitoring asthma control. Its use may help to overcome challenges with the management of this age group.

Poczucie kontroli a gotowość szkolna dzieci przedszkolnych

&lt;p class="Standard"&gt;Celem przeprowadzonych badań było określenie związku między poczuciem umiejscowienia kontroli a gotowością szkolną, rozumianą jako zainteresowanie dziecka uczeniem się. Związek ten, jak wynika z dotychczasowej literatury przedmiotu, jest istotny z punktu widzenia specyfiki funkcjonowania psychofizycznego małego dziecka. Poczucie kontroli jest pojęciem psychologicznym oznaczającym wymiar osobowości, który warunkuje to, jak człowiek postrzega zależności występujące między jego zachowaniem a skutkami tego zachowania. Problem główny sformułowano następująco: Jaki jest rodzaj związku umiejscowienia poczucia kontroli z gotowością szkolną dzieci w wieku przedszkolnym? W celu jego weryfikacji zbadano 80 dzieci w wieku 6 lat oraz ich rodziców. Poczucie umiejscowienia kontroli zmierzono za pomocą kwestionariusza Skali Poczucia Kontroli u Dzieci Przedszkolnych (SPK-DP), natomiast gotowość szkolną za pomocą Rodzicielskiej Skali Gotowości Szkolnej (RSGS). Otrzymane wyniki jednoznacznie dowodzą, że dzieci, u których stwierdza się zewnętrzne poczucie kontroli, są wyżej oceniane pod względem wszystkich umiejętności składających się na gotowość szkolną. Dotyczy to zarówno zdolności w zakresie aktywności poznawczej, wiedzy z zakresu umiejętności społecznych, jak i zdolności matematycznych.&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on symptom control in preschool children with recurrent wheezing.

IntroductionPreschool wheezers are at high risk of recurrent attacks triggered by respiratory viruses, sometimes exacerbated by exposure to allergens and pollution. Because of the COVID‐19 infection, the lockdown was introduced, but the effects on preschool wheezers are unknown. We hypothesized that there would be an improvement in outcomes during the lockdown, and these would be lost when the lockdown was eased.Materials and MethodsPatients underwent medical visits before and after the COVID‐19 lockdown. We recorded the childhood Asthma Control Test (cACT) and a clinical questionnaire. Data on symptoms, the need for medications and the use of healthcare resources were recorded. We compared these data with retrospective reports from the preceding year and prospectively acquired questionnaires after lockdown.ResultsWe studied 85 preschool wheezers, mean age 4.9 years. During the lockdown, cACT score was significantly higher (median 25 vs. 23); families reported a dramatic drop in wheezing episodes (51 vs. none), significant reductions in the day and nighttime symptoms, including episodes of shortness of breath (p < .0001); the use of salbutamol and oral corticosteroids (OCS) dropped significantly (p < .0001) and 79 (95%) patients needed no OCS bursts during the lockdown. Finally, patients had significantly fewer extra medical examinations, as well as fewer Emergency Room visits (p < .0001). All were improved compared with the same time period from the previous year, but outcomes worsened significantly again after lockdown (cACT median: 22).ConclusionsDuring the national lockdown, children with persistent preschool wheeze showed a significant clinical improvement with reduction of respiratory symptoms, medication use for exacerbations, and use of healthcare resources. This trend reversed when lockdown restrictions were eased.

Does ADHD worsen inhibitory control in preschool children born very premature and/or with very low birth weight?

Introduction Deficits in executive functioning, especially in inhibitory control, are present in children born very premature and/or with very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) and in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Objective To evaluate whether ADHD imposes additional inhibitory control (IC) deficits in preschoolers born VP/VLBW.Methods 79 VP/VLBW (4 to 7 years) children were assessed for ADHD using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children – Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). IC was measured with Conners’ Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT 2) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Preschool Version (BRIEF-P).Results: No significant differences were found between ADHD (n = 24) and non-ADHD children (n = 55) for any of the measures (p = 0.062 to p = 0.903). Both groups had deficits in most K-CPT 2 scores compared to normative samples, indicating poor IC and inconsistent reaction times.Conclusions ADHD does not aggravate IC deficits in VP/VLBW children. Either neuropsychological tasks and parent reports of executive functions (EFs) may not be sensitive enough to differentiate VP/VLBW preschoolers with and without ADHD, or these children’s EFs are already so impaired that there is not much room for additional impairments imposed by ADHD.