The multi-directional reach test in children with Down syndrome

• Main Authors: Sawika Promsorn (Author), Soontharee Taweetanalarp (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: World Scientific Publishing, 2021-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 1013-7025; 1876-441X; 10.1142/S1013702521500062
• Keywords: down syndrome; limits of stability; multi-directional reach test; movement patterns; Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RM1-950
• Source: Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal, Vol 41, Iss 1, Pp 65-74 (2021)

Objective: This study investigated the limits of stability (LOS) and the movement patterns during reaching by applying the Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT) in children with Down syndrome (DS) aged 7-12 years old. Methods: Thirty children with DS and 30 age and gender typical development (TD) matched children, aged 7-12 years old were recruited. Each child was asked to reach as far as possible during standing in four directions using a self-selected movement pattern. The movement patterns were classified by two experienced pediatric physical therapists. Results: The reach distance in children with DS aged 7-9 years old was significantly shorter than TD children aged 7-9 years old for the forward and backward directions. Also, the reach distance in DS children aged 7-9 years old was significantly smaller than that of TD children aged 10-12 years old for all directions. For children with DS aged 10-12 years old, the reach distance was significantly less than that of TD children only in the backward direction. All children with DS in this study adopt a hip and mixed strategy during forward and backward reaching. In contrast, TD children adopt an adult-like movement pattern. Conclusion: The boundary of stability in an anteroposterior (AP) direction of children with DS aged 7-12 years old was lesser than the matched TD children, especially for the backward direction. These findings may assist therapists in detecting postural control and balance problems in children with DS.