Control postural en niños, adolescentes y adultos con síndrome de Down

Introduction

Postural control is considered the basis for the development of motor skills in people with Down syndrome (DS). Therefore, the analysis of postural control could guide the rehabilitation of these patients.

Objective

To analyze the postural control in children, adolescents and adults with DS. People with DS and typically developing (TD) were compared.

Material and methods

A case-control study. The sample was composed of 22 children aged 6 to 11 years old (10 DS, 12 TD), 23 adolescents between 12 and 18 years old (11 DS, 12 TD), and 24 young adults 19 and 25 years old (12 DS, 12 TD). Postural control was measured on a force platform in condition of open eyes and closed eyes where the center of pressure variables were calculated.

Results

No significant differences were observed in children. In adolescents and adults the center of pressure variables were significantly higher in the groups with DS in open eyes and closed eyes (P < .05). In people with DS there were no significant differences between children, adolescents and adults in any of the center of pressure variables. In people with TD significant differences when comparing children, adolescents and adults (P < .05).

Conclusions

Individuals with DS have a deficit of postural control and low development of this skill as the individual matures in age.