Marjolein Jongbloed-Pereboom

Implicit and explicit motor learning in preterm born children

 

Preterm born children have an increased risk for developmental motor problems. Furthermore, these children have an increased risk for learning problems and working memory problems. Motor skills can be learned implicitly and explicitly, with the latter placing a high burden on working memory. Despite the abundance of literature on developmental motor problems in preterm born children, information regarding motor learning (either implicit or explicit) and the mediating role of working memory in this population is lacking. In this project, we will test implicit and explicit motor learning in preterm born children and in children born at term. Furthermore, we will examine the relation of working memory and explicit and implicit motor learning. More knowledge about implicit and explicit motor learning, and the mediating role of impaired working memory willhave implications for the development of  interventions and learning protocols for children born preterm and other ‘at risk’ groups of children.