Researchers followed 52 teenagers aged 14–18 who were born very prematurely (before 31 weeks of gestation) from infancy through to their teenage years. They compared each teenager's early motor development—how well they moved, coordinated, and developed physically in their first two years—with their social and emotional wellbeing during adolescence.
The study tracked these young people as part of a long-term research programme, creating a rare opportunity to see how early physical development connects to later life outcomes in premature babies.
Better Baby Movement Linked to Stronger Teen Friendships
Teenagers who had shown better motor development as infants—skills like rolling over, sitting up, and reaching for objects—experienced fewer social difficulties as adolescents. This connection remained strong even when researchers accounted for other factors that might influence social skills. Early motor development turned out to be the strongest predictor of how well these teenagers got along with peers and managed socially, suggesting that physical coordination in babyhood influences social wellbeing more than a decade later.
Premature Birth Type Shapes Different Developmental Patterns
The study identified two distinct groups. Teenagers born very prematurely tended to show more autistic traits, while those born extremely prematurely were more likely to display attention and ADHD-related features. However, regardless of which group a teenager fell into, those with better early motor skills still fared better socially, pointing to motor development as a protective factor across different developmental pathways.
Why Early Movement Matters Beyond Sports
In Singapore's education-focused culture, physical development sometimes takes a back seat to academic achievement. This research suggests motor skills deserve equal attention in the early years—not because they predict athletic ability, but because they appear foundational to emotional and social health. A premature baby's early struggles with coordination might seem minor at the time, yet could signal an area where the teenager might benefit from extra social or emotional support years later.
Small Study Points to Bigger Questions
The research involved 52 teenagers from one long-term study, which is a modest sample size. While the findings are compelling, they show correlation (two things occurring together) rather than proving that motor skills directly cause better social outcomes. Larger studies across different countries would help confirm whether these patterns hold more broadly.
Next Steps for Parents of Prematurely Born Teens
- Review your child's early motor development history with their paediatrician to identify patterns and potential areas for support.
- If your teen was born prematurely and shows social difficulties, consider whether targeted help with coordination or movement might complement other interventions.
- Value physical play and movement as part of your child's wellbeing, not as separate from emotional and social development.