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BACKGROUND: Small for gestational age (SGA) infants face a heightened risk of motor delays that can persist into childhood, affecting cognitive and language development. Early identification and intervention are critical for better long-term outcomes. SUMMARY: This narrative review highlights evidence on motor development in SGA children, focusing on risk factors, neurobiological mechanisms, and early interventions. Motor delays in SGA infants correlate with lower birth weight, shorter gestation, adverse intrauterine conditions, and perinatal complications. Structural brain changes, especially in white matter and cerebellum, along with prenatal and postnatal inflammation, contribute to these deficits. Nutritional support, physical therapy, and family-based stimulation initiated in the first 2 years show promise for improving motor outcomes. KEY MESSAGES: SGA children are at high risk for motor developmental disorders. A comprehensive early intervention approach targeting nutrition, neurodevelopment, and family support is essential. Future research should aim to clarify mechanisms and optimize intervention timing and strategies to enhance long-term outcomes.
Zhu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.