Comparison of physical fitness levels of preterm and term birth history of preschool children

This research was planned to compare the physical fitness levels of preschool children with a history of preterm and term birth. Research data was collected by measurement. The study was conducted between September 2023 and March 2024. A total of 328 preschool children, 164 preterm and 164 term, participated in the study (mean age 4.5 years, standard deviation ±1.12) Demographic and clinical information was recorded in the personal information and clinical evaluation form according to the answers given by the parents. The children's physical fitness levels were evaluated with the PREFIT (Preschool Physical Fitness) Test battery. According to the PREFIT Test Battery: anthropometric characteristics were determined by measurements of height, weight and waist circumference. 20 m shuttle running test to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, hand grip strength (dynamometer) and long jump test for upper extremity and lower extremity muscle strength respectively, 4x10 m running test (shuttle run) for speed and agility, standing on one leg to evaluate balance tests were done. SPSS 25 package program was used in the statistical analysis of the data. It was observed that waist circumference values did not differ significantly between Term-Preterm groups (p>0.05). According to Term-Preterm groups, dominant and non-dominant upper extremity muscle strength values, dominant and non-dominant standing time on one leg, 20 meters shuttle running distance, lower extremity long jump distance; was significantly lower in preterm children than in term children (p<0.05). The 4x10 meter shuttle run time of term children was significantly lower than that of preterm children (p<0.05). In conclusion, preschool children with a history of preterm and term birth differed in terms of their physical fitness levels.