Abstract
BackgroundGait Initiation (GI) is a functional task that challenges the balance control requiring weight shift and a transition from standing to walking. Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) walk with low velocity, prolonged stance and shorter steps beside an increased support base. However, no studies performed GI analysis on this population. The aim of this study is to quantitatively characterize the GI task in subjects with DS compared with a typically developed control group.MethodsSeventeen individuals with DS (17 to 40 years) and 19 healthy subjects (17 to 40 years) were enrolled in the study. Data were acquired using an optoelectronic motion capture system and force plates in order to measure the displacement and velocity of Center of Mass (CoM) and the trajectory of Center Of Pressure (CoP). All participants were asked to stand barefoot on the first force platform and received a verbal cue to begin walking for 6 gait initiation trials (three starting with each foot). The CoP duration, velocity, length and excursion were calculated during the anticipatory postural adjustments phases (APAs) and the locomotor (LOC) phase. For the analysis of the CoM, its displacements in antero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) during the APAs and LOC phases. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the two groups.ResultsRegarding CoP measures, when compared to control group, individuals with DS presented higher durations, lower velocities, longer lengths during the second APA and total phases, and shorter lengths during the first APA and LOC phases. The group with DS also presented longer CoP excursion during the second APA, whereas a shorter excursion was present during the first APA and LOC phases. The AP excursion in CoM is reduced in the participants with DS.ConclusionsOur results could be useful in the rehabilitation of individuals with DS as they suggest to reinforce exercise programs to improve balance in AP and ML directions, which is demonstrated to be impaired in these subjects.
Highlights
Gait Initiation (GI) is a functional task that challenges the balance control requiring weight shift and a transition from standing to walking
Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition caused by the presence of all or part of a third CoPy of chromosome 21, and for this reason, is called as “Trisomy 21” [1]
The aim of this study is to quantitatively characterize the GI in subjects with DS compared with a typically developed control group of healthy subjects, using parameters derived from the Center of Pressure (COP) and Center of Mass (CoM) tracks
Summary
Gait Initiation (GI) is a functional task that challenges the balance control requiring weight shift and a transition from standing to walking. Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) walk with low velocity, prolonged stance and shorter steps beside an increased support base. The aim of this study is to quantitatively characterize the GI task in subjects with DS compared with a typically developed control group. Corsi et al BMC Neurology (2019) 19:66 development These individuals have “clumsy” movements and little control over programming in multiple movements involving different joints [7]. Different strategies occur during walking: the most obvious feature is slowness, with a prolonged stance and shorter steps. Individuals with DS tend to increase the support base by widening the lower limbs They show an increased hip flexion as compared to typical developing subjects, widening them even more horizontally (more intrinsic) to ensure forward progression [9, 10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
