Does Orthotic Use Affect Upper Extremity Support During Upright Play in Infants With Down Syndrome?

Abstract

To determine whether supramalleolar orthoses use during upright play contributes to decreased upper extremity support in infants with Down syndrome. Seventeen children with Down syndrome were assigned to 2 groups. Infants in the control group received treadmill training. Infants in the experimental group wore supramalleolar orthoses in addition to treadmill training. The participants were followed every other month from pull to stand until independent walking. Each child was videotaped playing at a table for 20 minutes. Researchers coded the tapes to determine whether the child's trunk was leaning or not and whether he or she was using 0, 1, or 2 hands for support. No group differences were found in hand support during time in the upright position. All children decreased the amount of 2-hand support over time (P = .05). The use of supramalleolar orthoses may improve upright stability but it does not decrease upper extremity support in infants with Down syndrome.