Background Malan syndrome (MALNS) is an ultra-rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder (< 1/1,000,000 births) identified as an overgrowth syndrome. Recent research has identified new features of MALNS that include high risk of bone fractures in childhood due to osteopenia coupled with an unsteady gait, the latter leading to frequent fall. Purpose: To characterize the postural control (PC) of a 16-year-old with Malan syndrome (MALNS). Methods: Evaluations involved two, 30-sec trials for each of 6 stances: two-feet eyes open/eyes closed on firm and foam surfaces (total 4); and tandem and one-foot stances, eyes open, on firm. Postural control (PC) was determined by the median velocity (mm/sec) and total pathlength (mm) of the center-of-pressure on a force plate Results were compared to his age and sex matched peers with intellectual disability, Down syndrome, and neurotypical students. Results: For the participant with MALNS, significant, moderate test-retest reliability was seen for all 6 stances, and he demonstrated similar PC as his peers with Down syndrome. Conclusion: Given that osteopenia, advanced bone aging, hypotonia, and increased risk for bone fractures are commonly associated with MALNS, the outcome of this study should encourage clinicians to evaluate the PC of youth with MALNS.
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