Relationship between flat foot condition and gait pattern alterations in children with Down syndrome

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Pediatrics
• Genetics

Background:

• Flat foot is a common abnormality in children with Down syndrome (DS).
• This condition can significantly impact daily activities, particularly gait.
• Quantitative assessment is needed to understand the link between flat foot and gait in DS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the relationship between flat foot and gait alterations in children with Down syndrome.
• To identify specific gait parameters affected by flat foot in DS.

Main Methods:

• 3D Gait Analysis was performed on 29 children with DS and 15 non-affected controls.
• An optoelectronic system, force platforms, and video recording were utilized.
• The arch index measured flat foot severity, while kinematic and kinetic parameters analyzed gait.

Main Results:

• Patients with flat foot showed significantly lower peak ankle plantarflexion moment and ankle power during terminal stance.
• A higher arch index correlated with lower peak ankle moment and generated ankle power.
• Increased arch index also correlated with reduced minimum absorbed ankle power.

Conclusions:

• Children with Down syndrome and flat feet demonstrate a less functional gait pattern concerning ankle kinetics.
• The presence of flat foot appears to contribute to less efficient walking in DS.
• Progressive flat foot severity is associated with diminished push-off ability, leading to impaired gait.