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BMC Pediatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

Bidirectional association of neurodevelopment with growth: a prospective cohort study

Authors: Xiaotong Wei, Jiajin Hu, Liu Yang, Ming Gao, Lin Li, Ning Ding, Yanan Ma, Deliang Wen

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The study aims to use the cross-lagged model and utilize data from the Born in Shenyang Cohort Study to characterize the bidirectional associations of the term-born infants’ neurodevelopment in five domains and physical growth in early life.

Method

This study consists of 688 mother-child dyads from the Born in Shenyang Cohort Study. Infants’ anthropometric (weight and length) and development in neurological outcomes (Gesell Development Scale) were measured at the age of 6 and 12 months. Cross-lagged analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the longitudinal relationships in both directions.

Results

In terms of longitudinal studies, the inverse associations between infants’ two skills (gross motor and social behavior) at the age of 6 months with BMI Z -scores at the age of 12 months (gross motor: aβ = − 0.20, 95% CI: − 0.31 to- 0.09; social behavior: aβ = − 0.23, 95% CI: − 0.33 to- 0.13) were found. Conversely, a higher infant Z -scored BMI at the age of 6 months predicted a lower gross motor at the age of 12 months (aβ = − 0.08, 95% CI: − 0.12 to- 0.04). In cross-lagged analyses, an adverse association in both directions between gross motor and Z -scored BMI was observed.

Conclusion

We found bidirectional relationships between infants’ neurodevelopment of gross motor with physical growth and suggested the term-born infants, who are on the edge of the developmental danger, should not be overlooked.

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Title: Bidirectional association of neurodevelopment with growth: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Xiaotong Wei
Jiajin Hu
Liu Yang
Ming Gao
Lin Li
Ning Ding
Yanan Ma
Deliang Wen
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02655-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Bidirectional association of neurodevelopment with growth: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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