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Motor Skills and Executive Functions in Pediatric Patients with Down Syndrome: A Challenge for Tailoring Physical
Matteo Vandoni1, Matteo Giuriato1, Agnese Pirazzi1
1Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Insights
Physical activity interventions improve motor skills and executive functions in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Targeted programs are essential for enhancing quality of life and health outcomes in people with DS.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Developmental Disorders
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Down syndrome (DS) is a common chromosomal disorder with diverse health impacts.
- Comorbidities and environmental factors negatively affect physical activity in individuals with DS.
- Low physical activity exacerbates motor skill and executive function deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on motor skills and executive functions in pediatric Down syndrome.
- To identify challenges in designing physical activity interventions for DS.
- To inform tailored interventions for improved health and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on motor skills and executive functions in pediatric DS patients.
- Analysis of the impact of physical activity on developmental trajectories.
- Synthesis of evidence on intervention effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Motor skill interventions enhance motor competence and cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects in children with DS.
- Executive function interventions effectively counter cognitive decline and improve daily functioning in DS youth and adults.
- Physical activity is crucial for skill acquisition and overall well-being.
Conclusions:
- Targeted physical activity interventions are vital for individuals with Down syndrome.
- Interventions should address both motor skills and executive functions.
- Optimizing physical activity maximizes benefits, minimizes risks, and improves health outcomes and quality of life in DS.
Abstract:
Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common chromosomal disorders. In addition to this variety of dysmorphic features. DS is also associated with a wide range of diseases and related comorbidities affecting different organs and systems. These comorbidities, together with societal and environmental influences, have a negative impact on physical activity in people with DS. Low levels of physical activity and energy expenditure have been identified as crucial players in worsening the acquisition of motor skills and executive functions. Executive functions are critical for the many skills (creativity, flexibility, self-control, and discipline) impacting our quality of life and make it possible to control impulses, mentally play with ideas, and stay focused. We proposed a broad overview of the available literature regarding motor skills and executive functions in pediatric patients with DS to understand the specific challenges for tailoring physical activity interventions. Motor skill interventions are effective in improving motor competence and performance on cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects in children with DS. Interventions based on executive functions in DS subjects are effective to contrast the cognitive decline and improve the everyday use of executive functions in youth and adults. Targeted interventions are mandatory for maximizing the benefits of physical activity, minimizing potential risks, and ultimately improving the overall health outcomes and quality of life for individuals with DS.
