Gait and static balance analysis of children with Down syndrome and comparison with typically developing children

Abstract

Objectives: Syndrome-specific problems seen in children with Down syndrome (DS) may lead to gait disorders and loss of balance. This study aimed to evaluate spatiotemporal gait parameters, static balance parameters using force platform, and to examine the relationship between gait and static balance parameters in children with DS between 3-8 years of age. Methods: The study included 20 children with DS and 15 typical developing (TD). The GAITRite (R) electronic walkway was used to evaluate spatiotemporal characteristics of gait and Bertec Force Platform for static balance analysis. Results: Increased cadence, decreased cycle time, shorter step and stride length, greater support surface were identified in children with DS. Balance analysis revealed greater anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) sway ranges on normal and foam surfaces. Statistically significant differences were found between children with DS and TD in gait and balance parameters (p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant relationships were found between normalized velocity, stride length, swing phase and stance phase percentage. Notably, stance and swing phase percentages were correlated with AP postural sway on both surfaces, while stride length and normalized velocity were related to ML sway on normal surfaces. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated the characteristics of gait and static balance parameters in children with DS and revealed the differences from TD. Early identification of these problems will be beneficial in planning effective physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs.