Quantifying established clinical assessment measures using 3D-movement analysis in individuals with Down syndrome

A movement protocol for quantifying functional limitation in people with Down syndrome (DS) during the execution of a series of range of motion (ROM) tasks has been developed as a new assessment approach, combining quantitative measures of movement analysis and functional mobility with clinically established qualitative motor skill assessments.

Fifteen subjects with DS and 11 subjects with typical development were evaluated using this movement protocol.

The results revealed longer durations in execution across all tasks in the DS group and were most likely due to low muscular tone and poor coordination. A significant difference in ankle ROM was found in the DS group during leg-lifting, with a wide plantar-flexion demonstrated during the entire movement. This result may be associated with the typical strategy for foot contact that generally favours the toe. Significant differences were also found in the trunk ROM and in the knee ROM and may likely reflect an increase of agonist-antagonist co-contraction, a strategy that may modify stability and dynamic equilibrium.

The combined quantitative/qualitative protocol is an important advancement in evaluating individuals with DS and should be integrated into a more comprehensive evaluation of dynamic gait and lower limb analysis.