Efectos de un programa de rehabilitación temprana en el desarrollo y adquisición de hitos motores en un niño con síndrome de Down: un estudio de caso

Abstract

Background and objectiveEarly rehabilitation in Down syndrome (DS) is a useful physiotherapy strategy, although the scientific evidence in this respect is not very extensive. This case study aimed to provide information on the effects of an early rehabilitation program on the developmental profile and milestones’ acquisition in a child with DS. Materials and methodsA single case study of repeated measures was conducted, in which a 22-month-old child with DS underwent a psychomotor rehabilitation program. Sessions’ contents included gross and fine motor activities, as well as cognitive stimulation tasks. The Batelle Inventory and the Peabody Motor Developmental Scale Battery were used to determine the effects of the program on the developmental profile and the acquisition of motor milestones, respectively. ResultsAfter completing a total of 10 sessions, a progressive evolution was observed in the personal/social, motor, communication and cognitive areas of the child. The program had positive effects on gross motor skills, although its impact on fine motor skills was minor (improvements in 4 of the 8 items assessed). ConclusionsThe implementation of an early rehabilitation program resulted in positive developmental changes and in the acquisition of gross motor milestones in a 22-month-old child with DS. Improvements in fine motor skills are more complex to achieve through this type of programs.