Medical and ecological factors in estimating motor outcomes of preschool children

The twofold purpose of this study was to compare motor function in preschool children born with varying degrees of medical risk and to determine the independent contribution to motor function of three domains of ecological influence. One hundred and eighty-four 4-year-old children and their mothers participated. Three predictor sets, proximal, distal, and child, and four motor outcomes were measured by multiple methods. Children born prematurely scored lower on all dimensions of motor function. Prematurity complications had a different effect on motor function. Hierarchical regression models explained 16-40% of motor score variance. Results are discussed in relation to heterogeneity of prematurity and ecological influences on motor outcomes.