No differences in physical activity and screen time were observed between very preterm-born children and their full-term siblings, but only one-third of participants met physical activity recommendations.
Physical activity of very preterm-born children and adolescents was similar to that of their full-term siblings.
Only about one-third of participants met the physical activity recommendation of at least 1 hour per day.
Screen time was similar between very preterm-born participants and full-term siblings, but was much higher among adolescents regardless of preterm birth status.
Chronic conditions and respiratory symptoms were not associated with insufficient physical activity among the very preterm-born.
No correlates of physical activity were identified, whereas age group and socioeconomic status were associated with screen time among the very preterm-born.
Both very preterm-born children and adolescents and their full-term siblings could benefit from better adherence to international physical activity and screen time guidelines.
This study surveyed families in the greater Zurich area to compare physical activity and screen time in children and teenagers (aged 5-16) born very preterm (before 32 weeks of pregnancy) with their full-term brothers and sisters. It included 482 very preterm-born participants and 149 full-term siblings. Overall, the two groups were similar in how active they were and how much time they spent on screens. However, only about one-third of all participants reached the recommended hour or more of physical activity per day, and both groups were less active than the general population. Screen time was much higher in adolescents than in younger children, whether or not they were born preterm. Among those born very preterm, having a chronic health condition or respiratory symptoms did not explain who was less active. Older age and socioeconomic status were linked to screen time. This research suggests that being born very preterm does not by itself make children less active or more screen-oriented than their siblings. It also suggests that low activity and high screen use are widespread concerns for both groups, and that both could benefit from better adherence to international guidelines. As a cross-sectional survey, it shows associations at one point in time and cannot show cause and effect.
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Upload Your LabsHaile S, Peralta G, Adams M, Saponaro A, Bharadwaj A, Bassler D, et al.. (2026). Physical activity and screen time in children and adolescents born very preterm: a cross-sectional study.. Swiss medical weekly. https://doi.org/10.57187/4823