Logo Medical Science Monitor Basic Research

Call: 1.631.470.9640
Mon-Fri 10 am - 2 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo Medical Science Monitor Basic Research Logo Medical Science Monitor Basic Research Logo Medical Science Monitor Basic Research

16 October 2018 : Original article  

Contribution of Physical and Motor Characteristics to Functional Performance in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome: A Preliminary Study

Samire Beqaj12ABCDEF, Esmira E.T. Tërshnjaku2BDE, Merita Qorolli13ACDEF*, Vujica Zivkovic4ACE

DOI: 10.12659/MSMBR.910448

Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2018; 24:159-167

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic mental disability. Individuals with DS experience a variety of physical, motor, and functional challenges throughout the lifespan. However, the inter-relatedness between these domains is relatively unexplored in children with DS. This study aimed to determine which physical and motor characteristics contribute to functional performance in children and adolescents with DS. It also investigated the relationship between physical, motor, and functional domains.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 44 children and adolescents with DS, ages 3–18 years, in this cross-sectional study. The participants were assessed for functional skills (PEDI-CAT), gross motor skills (GMFM-88), balance (PBS), fine motor skills (Nine-hole peg test), grip strength (hand-held Jamar dynamometer), and body mass index (BMI). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and stepwise linear regression were employed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Fine motor skills and grip strength were found to be significant predictors of functional performance. All measures, except BMI, were significantly correlated with each other. The participants scored below standard values in all 4 domains of PEDI-CAT, with the social/cognitive skills being most impaired, while mobility proficiency was found to be participants’ strongest asset.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated fine motor skills and grip strength to be predictors of functional performance in children and adolescents with DS. It also showed a high level of inter-relatedness between the variables of physical, motor, and functional domains in this population.

Keywords: Activities of Daily Living, Down Syndrome, Hand Strength, Motor Skills

Add Comment 0 Comments

In Press

Clinical Research  

Questionnaire-Based Study of 392 Women in Abbottabad, Pakistan, to Evaluate the Types of Cosmetic Products ...

Med Sci Monit Basic Res In Press; DOI:  

Most Viewed Current Articles

15 Jun 2022 : Clinical Research  

Evaluation of Apical Leakage After Root Canal Obturation with Glass Ionomer, Resin, and Zinc Oxide Eugenol ...

DOI :10.12659/MSMBR.936675

Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2022; 28:e936675

07 Jul 2022 : Laboratory Research  

Cytotoxicity, Apoptosis, Migration Inhibition, and Autophagy-Induced by Crude Ricin from Ricinus communis S...

DOI :10.12659/MSMBR.936683

Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2022; 28:e936683

01 Jun 2022 : Laboratory Research  

Comparison of Sealing Abilities Among Zinc Oxide Eugenol Root-Canal Filling Cement, Antibacterial Biocerami...

DOI :10.12659/MSMBR.936319

Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2022; 28:e936319

17 Jan 2022 : Clinical Research  

Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Over the Primary Motor Cortex (M1) Enhances Motor Res...

DOI :10.12659/MSMBR.934180

Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2022; 28:e934180

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

Medical Science Monitor Basic Research eISSN: 2325-4416
Medical Science Monitor Basic Research eISSN: 2325-4416