The aim of the study was to provide comprehensive information surrounding gross motor skills of young population with DS, from birth through late adolescence. The between age-group comparisons of participants would allow for identification of critical age periods for development or change in gross motor performance, providing an additional insight into the motor development of youth with DS.
The sample consisted of 56 children and adolescents with DS aged 0-18 years old. Participants with DS were recruited from the Down Syndrome Kosova (DSK) organization. Exclusion criteria for both groups included major health conditions that would be counter to mild physical exertion, and conditions that would greatly affect overall physical performance, such as neurological conditions. The study was approved by the steering committee of DSK and the Oversight Board for Professional Ethics of the Ministry of Health in the Republic of Kosovo, protocol no. 05-2295.
The Gross Motor Function Measure 88 (GMFM-88) was used to obtain an estimation of participants’ gross motor function. The GMFM-88 measure, primarily used by physical therapists, is validated for use with children with DS. Assessment of each child was completed within 1 week. All assessment guidelines and criteria described in the test’s manual were fully followed.
The participants were assembled into five separate groups according to their age: 0-1 years, 1-3 years, 3-6 years, 6-12 years, and 12-18 years. After conducting one-way ANOVA for all five age-groups, significant differences between group means were determined (F(2.27) = 244.27, p = .000). Lower performance was noted in dimensions D (Standing) and E (Walking, running, and jumping) of GMFM-88. The participants scored lowest on skills requiring balancing while standing or hopping on one foot, walking between parallel lines 20 cm apart, walking forward 10 consecutive steps on a straight line 2 cm wide, jumping with both feet simultaneously 30 cm, and walking down four steps alternating feet.
The outcomes from the current study show that children and adolescents with DS face challenges in terms of their gross motor development. Precisely, findings revealed that children with DS had delayed gross motor development, with specific difficulties in skills requiring balancing on a single lower extremity. Incomplete performance in these skills was also encountered in late adolescence.
The information obtained from the present population-based study is relevant to those managing children with DS, especially physical and occupational therapists. This information helps parents have a realistic perspective on what to expect from their child in terms of gross motor functioning. Such information is also valuable for policy makers and service planners in considering the educational, vocational, long-term care and accommodation needs for people with DS.
Gross motor skills
Motor development
