The Effects of Preterm Birth on Musculoskeletal Health-Related Disorders
This study from Austria acknowledged that the most common musculoskeletal conditions associated with preterm birth are cerebral palsy and a dysregulation of the calcium/phosphorus metabolism, which may lead to fractures. They recommend a multidisciplinary cooperation and parental support, including psychological support. They identified that modern MRI technology has enabled Doctors to further understand the specific pathologic pathways in the development of CP and consider future prognosis. Click here to read the article
Schachinger, F., & Farr, S., 2021. The Effects of Preterm Birth on Musculoskeletal Health-Related Disorders. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(21), 5082.
Adults born preterm have lower peripheral skeletal muscle area and strength
This observational cohort study recruited 55 adults born preterm, ≤ 29 weeks’ of gestation and 53 full-term controls who underwent musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging (this was to assess the structure of a thigh muscle – rectus femoris, at rest and during contraction). They found that prematurityPreterm is defined as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. More is associated with alterations in skeletal muscle composition, area, and function in adulthood. This highlights the need to implement preventive and/or curative approaches to improve muscle development and function following preterm birth to enhance overall health. Click to read the full article.
Deprez, A., El-Jalbout, R., Cloutier, A. et al., 2024. Adults born preterm have lower peripheral skeletal muscle area and strength. Scientific Reports, 14, 21457
The association of preterm birth and small for gestational age with recurrent multisite musculoskeletal pain during early and middle adulthood — The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study
This study utilise the Northern Finland birth cohort 1966 details to investigate for associations between premature birth or low birth weight/small for gestational age (SGA) with adult MSK pain. They identified that preterm birth or SGA is unlikely to predict multisite MSK pain in adulthood. They highlighted that perinatal factors relating to MSK pain need further research, and an area of particular interest is family socioeconomic status during pregnancy. Click here to read the full article.
Neiminen, S-S., et al., 2024. The association of preterm birth and small for gestational age with recurrent multisite musculoskeletal pain during early and middle adulthood — The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study. Annals of Epidemiology, 111 (58-64)
Associations of preterm birth and neonatal stress exposure with chronic pain in adulthood – Results from the Gutenberg prematurityPreterm is defined as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. More study
This retrospective cohort study didn’t find a link between premature birth or perinatal stress and adult chronic pain, but did find higher instances when there was maternal smoking during the pregnancy. Click here to read the full article.
Tesarz, J., et al., 2024. Associations of preterm birth and neonatal stress exposure with chronic pain in adulthood – Results from the Gutenberg prematurityPreterm is defined as babies born alive before 37 weeks of pregnancy are completed. More study, 187 (111943)
Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of Low Exercise Capacity in Prematurely Born Adults
This study looked at mechanisms that contribute to reduced exercise capacity (exertional dyspnoea – shortness of breath) which is already acknowledged for those born preterm. They found that even with normal cardiopulmonary/heart functioning at rest, those born preterm had reduced stroke volume augmentation (the heart doesn’t increase the amount of blood pumped with each beat as well when there is more demand). Click here to read the full article.
Manferdelli, G., et al., 2025. Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of Low Exercise Capacity in Prematurely Born Adults, Comprehensive Physiology, 15(5)