Aerobic exercise capacity and its relationship with pulmonary function, muscle strength, physical activity and motor competence in preterm born children: The premafit-pilot study

Purpose: To describe the aerobic exercise capacity and its relationship with muscle strengthand motor competence in fifteen preterm born school-aged children (9 boys; gestationalage (GA) 29.7 ± 1.71 weeks; birth weight (BW) 1313 ± 356 gram; age of assessment 7.99± 0.35 years). Methods: Weight, height and skinfolds were measured in a standardized manner. Musclestrength was assessed with a hand-held dynamometer, pulmonary function using aspirometer, aerobic exercise capacity using a graded treadmill exercise test, and motorcompetence with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. In addition, a 3-dayphysical activity record was filled out. Results: Aerobic exercise capacity, lower extremity muscle strength and pulmonary functionwere significantly reduced compared to reference values. Aerobic exercise capacity wasassociated with pulmonary function and BW. Conclusion: In our pilot study of preterm born children we found a reduced aerobic exercisecapacity and lower extremity muscle strength in our group. Encouragement of activeparticipation in physical activities from early childhood onwards might be importantindicated in preterm born children.