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Published on: August 23, 2017
Effects of intensity of treadmill training on developmental outcomes and stepping in infants with Down syndrome: a
Dale A Ulrich1, Meghann C Lloyd, Chad W Tiernan
1Department of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 401 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2214, USA. ulrichd@umich.edu
Insights
Individualized, higher-intensity treadmill training significantly improved walking ability and motor milestone attainment in infants with Down syndrome (DS). This method accelerates development compared to lower-intensity training.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Infants with Down syndrome (DS) typically experience delays in achieving motor milestones, particularly walking.
- Early intervention is crucial for optimizing developmental outcomes in infants with DS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of individualized, progressively intense treadmill training on developmental outcomes in infants with DS.
- To compare the efficacy of higher-intensity, individualized training versus lower-intensity, generalized training.
Main Methods:
- Thirty infants with DS were randomly assigned to either a lower-intensity or higher-intensity treadmill training group.
- Training was conducted in the home environment and implemented by parents.
- Monthly monitoring by research staff tracked training implementation, physical growth, and motor milestone onset.
Main Results:
- Infants in the higher-intensity, individualized training group demonstrated significantly greater increases in stepping frequency.
- This group also achieved most motor milestones at an earlier average age compared to the lower-intensity group.
- Individualized, higher-intensity training led to more rapid developmental progress.
Conclusions:
- Treadmill training is a beneficial supplemental intervention for infants with DS.
- Higher-intensity, individualized treadmill training effectively reduces the delay in the onset of walking.
- This approach enhances overall motor development in infants with Down syndrome.
Background And Purpose:
Infants with Down syndrome (DS) are consistently late walkers. The purpose of this investigation was to test the effects of individualized, progressively more intense treadmill training on developmental outcomes in infants with DS.
Subjects:
Thirty infants born with DS were randomly assigned to receive lower-intensity, generalized treadmill training or higher-intensity, individualized training implemented by their parents in their homes.
Methods:
Research staff members monitored implementation of training, physical growth, and onset of motor milestones of all infants on a monthly basis.
Results:
Infants in the higher-intensity, individualized training group increased their stepping more dramatically over the course of training. Infants in the higher-intensity training group attained most of the motor milestones at an earlier mean age.
Discussion And Conclusion:
Treadmill training of infants with DS is an excellent supplement to regularly scheduled physical therapy intervention for the purpose of reducing the delay in the onset of walking.
