Efecto del nacimiento prematuro en la condición física y la salud mental en la etapa de Educación Infantil

Abstract

Los avances científicos han permitido aumentar la tasa de supervivencia de los bebés nacidos de forma prematura, así como mejorar sus condiciones de vida. Pese a ello, la prematuridad sigue asociándose a ciertos efectos adversos a corto y largo plazo, como son un mayor riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, respiratorias e incluso de mortalidad. Además, en los últimos años algunas investigaciones han observado una peor condición física y salud mental en los individuos prematuros, pero la evidencia al respecto no es unánime y la investigación en la primera infancia es prácticamente inexistente. El propósito principal de esta Tesis Doctoral ha sido determinar si hay diferencias en la condición física y la salud mental entre niños prematuros y nacidos a término durante la etapa de Educación Infantil. Para ello, se ha estructurado en tres estudios: En el primero, se comparó la condición física de niños en edad de Educación Infantil (preescolares), tanto prematuros como nacidos a término. Los participantes realizaron diversas pruebas físicas para medir la fuerza, agilidad, capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (CRF), y la flexibilidad. Los resultados evidenciaron que los prematuros tenían una peor condición física, concretamente una peor fuerza de prensión manual, fuerza del tren inferior, agilidad, CRF y flexibilidad. Además, se observó que una mayor prematuridad estaba asociada con una peor condición física...Medical advances have increased survival rates among children born preterm, as well as improved their prognosis. Nevertheless, prematurity is associated to both short and long-term adverse effects, such as a higher risk of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and even mortality. Furthermore, recent research shows worse physical condition and mental health among individuals born prematurely, but evidence is mixed and studies conducted in early childhood remain scarce. The main purpose of this Doctoral Thesis has been to determine whether there are differences in physical fitness and mental health between premature children and those born at term during early childhood. To this end, it has been structured within three studies:In the first study, the physical fitness of children, both premature and born at term, was compared. Participants performed physical fitness tests to measure cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), strength, agility and flexibility. Results showed that premature children had worse physical fitness, specifically lower handgrip strength, lower-limb strength, agility, CRF and flexibility. Additionally, it was observed that greater prematurity was associated with worse physical fitness.In the second study we performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to synthesize all previous research comparing the physical fitness of premature (and low birth weight) individuals with those born at term (and with normal birth weight). A literature search was conducted in the most relevant databases to identify all studies measuring CRF, muscular strength, flexibility, agility, or speed in these populations, dividing them according to whether they compared normative populations with premature or low birth weight individuals. Results indicated that prematurity was associated with worse CRF and muscular strength. Additionally, low birth weight was associated with worse CRF, muscular strength, flexibility, and agility. The meta-regression analysis showed that lower gestational age or birth weight was associated with greater reductions in physical fitness...