Abstract

 

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between motor performance and sensory processing skills and quality of life in preschool children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Materials and Methods: The study included children with T1DM aged between 60 and 78 months. Sociodemographic information of the children was recorded. Motor performance were assessed using the “Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Competency Test 2 (BOT 2),” sensory processing skills using the “Sensory Processing Scale (SPM) House Form,” and quality of life using the “Children’s Quality of Life Scale (CQL).

Results: A total of 20 children with T1DM were included in the study. In the relationship between BOT 2 and CQL, the following BOT 2 parameters were found to be associated with CQL; fine motor sensitivity [physical functioning (r=-0.510, p=0.020), school functioning (r=-0.580, p=0.010), and total CQL score (r=-0.550, p=0.010)], fine motor integration [emotional functioning (r=-0.450, p=0.040), psychosocial health (r=-0.570, p=0.010), and total CQL score (r=-0.520, p=0.010)], hand dexterity [school functioning (r=-0.480, p=0.020)], and bidirectional coordination [physical functioning (r=-0.450, p=0.040)]. A moderately positive correlation was found between physical functionality and the SPM parameters body awareness (r=0.049, p=0.020), planning and ideation (r=0.047, p=0.030), and total SPM score (r=0.450, p=0.040). A moderately positive correlation was found between planning and ideation and the total CQL score (r= 0.440, p= 0.040).

Conclusion: In preschool children with T1DM, impairments in motor skills and sensory processing abilities are associated with quality of life. It is recommended to assess motor performance and sensory processing skills in early childhood.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus type 1, motor skills, sensation disorders

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Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

How to cite

1.
Akbulut Bayrak A, GÜRBÜZ F, BOYRAZ M, ELBASAN B. Investigation of the relationship between motor performance and sensory processing skills and quality of life in preschool children with type 1 diabetes. Turk J Pediatr Dis. 2026;Early View:1-5. https://doi.org/10.12956/TJPD.2025.1299