Premature children, due to their early birth and potential medical issues, may face various motor challenges that can affect both their gross motor skills (involving larger muscle groups and movements) and fine motor skills (involving smaller muscle groups and precise movements). Here are some common motor challenges in premature children:
Gross Motor Challenges:
1. Muscle Weakness:
Premature infants often have weaker muscles, which can affect their ability to control and coordinate larger movements.
2. Delayed Milestones:
Premature children may reach developmental milestones related to rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking later than full-term infants.
3. Hypotonia:
Hypotonia, or low muscle tone, is a common challenge. It can lead to difficulties in maintaining posture and performing gross motor activities.
4. Difficulty in Standing and Walking:
Weaker leg muscles can make standing and walking challenging for some premature children.
5. Balance and Coordination:
Issues with balance and coordination may arise, making activities like crawling and walking more difficult.
6. Toe-Walking:
Some children may exhibit toe-walking, a condition where they walk on their toes instead of their entire foot.
Fine Motor Challenges:
1. Delayed Fine Motor Milestones:
Fine motor milestones, such as grasping objects, picking up small items, and feeding themselves, may be achieved later.
2. Difficulty with Grasping:
Premature children might struggle with grasping and holding objects with precision.
3. Hand-Eye Coordination:
Coordinating hand movements with visual input can be challenging, affecting tasks like drawing or stacking blocks.
4. Articulation Issues:
Fine motor challenges can influence hand movements for activities like writing or buttoning clothes.
5. Feeding Problems:
Difficulties in using utensils or self-feeding can be observed due to fine motor issues.
6. Scissor Skills:
As children grow, they may have trouble with scissor skills, such as cutting along lines or shapes.
It’s important to remember that the severity and type of motor challenges can vary from one
premature child to another. Early intervention, developmental assessments, and targeted
therapies, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy, can help address these motor challenges and support the child development. Paediatric specialists and therapists work together to create individualized plans for each child, focusing on their unique needs and
abilities. With time and appropriate support, many premature children can make significant
progress and overcome motor challenges to achieve their developmental milestones.