Preterm Birth and Developmental Coordination Disorder: What Do We Know and Not Know?

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review Despite increasing research on the association between preterm birth and DCD, some critical questions remain unanswered. This review therefore aims to examine the current state of knowledge and identify areas that require further research. Recent Findings Recent findings indicate that preterm birth is associated with a greater risk of DCD, with increasing severity of impairment observed with decreasing gestational age before 40 weeks. Numerous studies have examined risk factors for preterm DCD, but few have investigated the mechanisms separately for preterm and term-born DCD, which makes it challenging to determine if they share similar etiological factors. Evidence suggests that the developmental trajectory between preterm and term-born DCD may differ, but more details is required. Additionally, research has also been limited by inconsistent definitions of preterm populations in terms of the degree of prematurity and the use of gestational age and/or birth weight. Summary Further research is needed to fully comprehend the association between preterm birth and DCD and to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.