Comparison of handgrip strength, upper extremity functionality, and daily living skills in preschool children with a history of preterm and term birth

COMPARISON OF HANDGRIP STRENGTH, UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTIONALITY, AND DAILY LIVING SKILLS IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH A HISTORY OF PRETERM AND TERM BIRTH This study was designed to compare the handgrip strength, upper extremity functionality, and daily living skills of preschool children with a history of preterm and term birth. Data for the research were collected through measurements conducted between September 2023 and March 2024. The study included a total of 100 preschool children, 50 born preterm and 50 born at term (mean age: 5.06 years, standard deviation: ±0.58). Demographic and clinical data were recorded using a personal information and clinical evaluation form based on responses provided by the parents. Handgrip strength was assessed using the Jamar dynamometer, upper extremity functionality was evaluated with the Jebsen Hand Function Test, and daily living skills were measured using the Children's Hand Skills Ability Questionnaire (CHSQ) and the Assessment of Children's Hand Skills (ACHS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25. The results revealed that the dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength of children with a history of preterm birth was significantly lower than that of term-born children (p<0.05). In the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, the time taken by preterm children to flip cards with both the dominant and non-dominant hands was significantly longer compared to term-born children (p<0.05). Moreover, the CHSQ school activities score, CHSQ daily living activities score, and ACHS category scores (1 through 5) as well as the total percentage score for preterm children were significantly lower than those of term-born children (p<0.05). In conclusion, preschool children with a history of preterm birth exhibit lower upper extremity daily living skills and handgrip strength compared to their term-born peers. Keywords: Preterm; CHSQ-ACHS; Handgrip strength; Jebsen-Taylor hand function test; Preschool.