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Gross motor skill performance in children with and without CHARGE syndrome: Research to practice
Pamela Haibach-Beach1, Melanie Perreault1, Elizabeth Foster2
1State University of New York, College at Brockport, United States.
Insights
Children with CHARGE syndrome exhibit significant gross motor delays, particularly in running and kicking. Early intervention focusing on fundamental motor skills is crucial for improving their development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Developmental Psychology
- Motor Development
Background:
- CHARGE syndrome is a complex congenital disorder impacting children's motor development.
- The syndrome's heterogeneity presents unique challenges for gross motor skill acquisition.
- Motor delays are a common characteristic in children diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate locomotor and object control skills in children with CHARGE syndrome.
- To provide insights into the motor development of children with CHARGE syndrome.
- To inform professionals and families about motor skill development in CHARGE syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 37 children with CHARGE syndrome and 30 typically developing peers.
- Evaluated object control and locomotor skills, with necessary modifications.
- Recorded the age of independent walking onset for all participants.
Main Results:
- Children with CHARGE syndrome demonstrated significant deficits in gross motor skills compared to peers.
- The most pronounced delays were observed in running and kicking abilities.
- Early walking onset correlated with better performance in jumping, running, and throwing.
Conclusions:
- Early intervention programs should prioritize gross motor skill development.
- Focus areas for intervention include throwing, kicking, and walking skills.
- Targeting these skills early can support children with CHARGE syndrome.
Background:
CHARGE syndrome is a multifaceted syndrome of complex birth defects. The heterogeneous nature of children with CHARGE syndrome brings unique issues and challenges affecting the overall motor development of the child, often resulting in developmental delays including motor delays.
Aims:
The purpose of this research was to assess children with CHARGE Syndrome on locomotor and object control skills to better understand their motor development. This information is relevant to adapted physical education teachers, paraeducators, vision teachers, health care professionals (occupational therapists, physical therapists, and physicians) and parents and family members of children with CHARGE Syndrome.
Methods And Procedures:
Thirty-seven children with CHARGE syndrome and thirty peers without disabilities participated in the study. Each participant was assessed on two object control and three locomotor skills with modifications, if necessary. In addition, the age of onset of independent walking was recorded for each participant.
Outcome And Results:
Children with CHARGE syndrome performed significantly behind their same age peers in most gross motor skills with the biggest deficits found in the run and kick. Age of onset of walking was associated with performance in jumping, running, and throwing.
Conclusions And Implications:
Early intervention services should focus on gross motor skills such as throwing, kicking, as well as walking at an early age.
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