Could minor neurological dysfunction be a type of non-cerebral palsy motor impairment?

Abstract

Non-cerebral palsy motor impairments have been increasing over time, especially in preterm-born children, with a variety of labels, including, but not limited to, developmental coordination disorder and minor neurological dysfunction. They may not only negatively affect the child in their daily life activities, but are also associated with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders, as well as decreased academic performance. Since there is a paucity of literature on non-cerebral palsy motor impairment, the main objective of the present study is to assess minor neurological dysfunction in the context of neurodevelopment. We reviewed the medical literature using the following search terms: preterm infants; follow-up; non-cerebral palsy motor impairment or disability; minor neurological dysfunction; developmental coordination disorder; neurological soft signs; and Touwen Neurological Examination. We compiled evidence-based data on minor neurological dysfunction critical domains, diagnosis, etiological factors and the influence of age and puberty in minor neurological signs. We also listed the cohort studies that used the Touwen Neurological Examination for premature or term-born follow-up, including those that suggest an association between minor neurological dysfunction and developmental coordination disorder as a motor impairment beyond cerebral palsy. Moreover, we found significant evidence of a correlation involving minor neurological dysfunction and cognitive, behavioral, and learning abilities, which, all in all, means that these children particularly deserve special attention regarding social, educational and healthcare resources. Furthermore, since motor activity seems to play an important role in the physical, mental, and neurological health of typical children, different approaches to education could have a positive impact on neurological development.

Keywords

Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Infant, Premature - Motor Skills Disorders - Psychomotor Disorders - Neurological Examination - Cognitive Dysfunction

Authors' Contributions

Conceptualization: APAH; Investigation: MENN; Supervision: APAH; Writing - original draft: APAH, CC, IMSS; Writing - review & editing; APAH, CC, IMSS, MENN.

Data Availability Statement

The contents underlying the research text are included in the manuscript.

Editor-in-Chief: Hélio A. G. Teive 0000-0003-2305-1073.

Associate Editor: Ana Carolina Coan 0000-0002-2888-929X.

Publication History

Received: 05 September 2024

Accepted: 11 March 2025

Article published online:
01 June 2025

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