Postural control in adults with Down syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gerontology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Adults with Down syndrome (DS) experience age-related comorbidities.
• Falls are prevalent in adults with DS, yet postural control remains understudied.
• This research addresses the gap in understanding balance in adults with DS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess postural control in adults with Down syndrome.
• To evaluate the contribution of sensory systems (somatosensory, visual, vestibular) to postural stability.
• To investigate the relationship between age and postural control deficits.

Main Methods:

• Recruited adults with Down syndrome (age >18) from an outpatient clinic.
• Utilized the Equitest system for Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP).
• Assessed postural control using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), measuring Composite Equilibrium (COMP), somatosensory (SOM), visual (VIS), and vestibular (VEST) scores.

Main Results:

• 43.3% of participants exhibited pathological COMP scores, indicating impaired postural control.
• Visual (VIS) and vestibular (VEST) systems showed significant impairments (31.7% and 55%, respectively).
• Somatosensory (SOM) scores were normal; VIS and VEST impairments correlated with age.

Conclusions:

• Postural control deficits are frequent in adults with Down syndrome.
• These deficits are often unrecognized, increasing fall risk.
• Age-related decline in visual and vestibular function contributes to postural instability.