Gross Motor Functions Assessed Through The Tgmd-3 In Down Syndrome Individuals And Related Gender Differences

Abstract

PURPOSE: Down Syndrome (DS) individuals show a markedly reduced general coordination, resulting in an overall reduced motor proficiency which limits their participation and, consequently, inclusion in sport activities. In this work we aim to characterize gross motor functions in DS, assessed by means of the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD 3), and assess possible gender-related differences. METHODS: Thirty-six age- and gender-matched DS individuals (Age: 29.1±7.5 years; Stature: 1.53±0.09 m; Mass: 67±14 kg; BMI: 28.6±14.1 kg/m2; n = 18 females (FE), 18 males (MA)), recruited in 5 European countries, performed the TGMD version 3 (TGMD-3). Participants were matched also for their daily physical activity (p = 0.6) as assessed by the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). TGMD-3 includes 13 skills classified as Locomotor Skills (Running, Galloping, Hopping, Skipping, Horizontal jumping, and Sliding) or Ballistic Skills (Two-hand and One-hand striking, Dribbling, Overhand throwing, Underhand throwing, Catching, and Kicking). For each skill, two attempts were performed. A video analysis was performed to assess if the performance criteria were respected. For each criterion, the participant scored 1 if the performance criterion was respected and 0 if not. Individual scores of the two attempts for each skill classified as Locomotor or Ballistic were separately summed. The total gross motor functions score was the sum of Locomotor and Ballistic skills. All scores were computed as a percentage of the maximum achievable score. MA and FE scores were compared using RM-ANOVAs (α=0.05). RESULTS. The participants had a total gross motor function score of 51% on average, similar for MA and FE (F1,34 = 1.39; p = 0.24; M = 54%; F= 48%). No significant differences between MA and FE were observed for the total scores of Locomotor or Ballistic skills (F1,34 = 1.45; p = 0.23). At single skill level, MA outperformed FE in the kicking skill (F1,34= 8.14; p = 0.007; M = 47%; F = 22%). CONCLUSION. These results highlight gross motor functions limitations in this population, showing a similar impairment of MA and FE, especially for locomotor functions. The different score obtained between MA and FE in the kicking skill may reflect an European cultural bias. Co-funded by the Erasmus + Programme of the European Union, GA 2018-2512.