Comparison of functional capacity respiratory functions and quality of life school children with preterm and term born

Objective: The purpose of our study was to evaluate and compare the functional assessments as respiratory capacity, exercise capacity, physical fitness level and quality of life between very preterm (VP) and mild preterm (MP) born and full-term born children.Method: 18 VP, 25 MP and 23 full-term born children without any chronic diseases between 8 and 12 years of age were included in our study. Body composition, postural alignments, perception of pain, respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, chest wall mobility, peripheral muscle strength, exercise capacity, physical fitness and quality of life were assessed.Results: Gestational age was 29.94±1.05 week in VP children and 34.26±1.32 week in MP children. Postural defects and perception of pain were higher in preterm groups while chest wall mobility, abdominal muscle strength and physical fitness level were lower. Six-minute walk test (6 MWT) results of VP, MP and term born groups were 617.00±63.60 m, 621.76±57.10 m and 667.13±79.79 m, respectively (p>0.05). Respiratory rate, perceived leg fatigue severity, percentage of maximal heart rate reach in 6 MWT were significantly higher in VP and MP groups (p<0.05).Conclusion: The results of our study indicated that moderate and mild preterm children had increased body fat, perceived higher pain, had impairments in their posture, respiratory function, chest wall mobility, exercise capacity, muscle strength and endurance, and physical fitness. Indication of the effects in VP and MP children in terms of many parameters suggests the necessity of comprehensive assessments for appropriate physiotherapy rehabilitation programs.