Postural stability in children with Down syndrome

Abstract

The purpose of this study to evaluate the postural balance using the Biodex Balance System (BBS) in children with Down syndrome (DS).
Material and Method. The study involving 30 male subjects with DS (mean age: 15.02±2.07 years, mean body weight: 61.63±12.80 kg, mean height: 155.00±10.65cm, body mass index (BMI): 25.85± 4.21) and 25 Non-DS male subjects (mean age: 15.04±2.13 years, mean body weight: 56.24±12.01, mean height: 164.36±11.42, body mass index (BMI):20.72±3.58). Independent t test was also used to determine any difference in balance scores between DS patients and healthy. Medial–lateral stability index (MLSI), anterior–posterior stability index (APSI) and an overall stability index (OSI) were measured in two measurement sessions using the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Balance was measured in four conditions: bilateral and unilateral stance with eyes open and eyes closed, over a period of 20s.
Result. The Bland-Altman plot of agreement in balance scores between tests and retests demonstrated good agreement. A significant difference was found in OSI, APSI, and MLSI between subjects with DS and healthy.
Conclusion. This study finds that subjects with Down syndrome included in this research demonstrate that deficits in postural control system that may provide a partial explanation for function balance problems that are common in these subjects. However, no significant difference was detected in APSI (SLEO) between two groups this study finds that subjects with Down syndrome included in this research demonstrate that deficits in postural control system that may provide a partial explanation for function balance problems that are common in these subjects.

Key words:

posture, balance measurements, Down syndrome

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