The Impact of Home Motor Affordances on Motor Skills of Children Born Preterm

Abstract

Background: Children born preterm at generally considered at-risk for a multitude of physical impairments. This study examined the relationship between a sample born preterm, the availability of home motor affordances, and level of motor development. Method:The sample consisted of 103 children born preterm and assessed between the ages of 18- to 42 months using two parent self-reports: the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development(AHEMD), and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3) for level of motor skill development. Results:Overall AHEMD scores revealed three distinct groups (Group 3 provided the greatest level of affordances). Significant group differences were revealed for fine-motor (FM) and gross motor (GM) skills with Group 3 better than the other two groups and Group 2 better than Group 1. According to regression results, the total AHEMD score predicted 51% of FM ability and 43% of GM behavior. Conclusions:The level of home motor affordances had a significant impact on the motor development of this sample of children born preterm. With that said, comparisons to general norm data suggest that these children still need special attention, especially with gross motor skill development.