The relationship between alignment of upper limb and postural control in adolescents with Down Syndrome

Abstract

The purpose of this research was the study of relationship between alignments of upper limb and postural control in adolescents with a mild to moderate Down syndrome (DS) to age matched adolescents without intellectual disability (ID).
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-ID 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). Biodex Balance System (BBS) (Double Leg Eyes Open) was used for the assessment of postural control. Flexi curve ruler was used for the assessment of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Photo of child were examined in sagittal and frontal planes for head and shoulder deviation and independent t-test was used to compare groups and correlation Pearson test was used relation between variables by using SPSS (21 version) software.
Results. Statistical analysis revealed significant difference in forward head, forward shoulder angle and dorsal kyphosis between two groups (p = 0.001). As well as revealed no significant difference in torticollis and lumbar lordosis between two groups. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between the balance value for Overall Stability Index (OSI) with forward shoulder angle and kyphosis posture (p = 0.050, p = 0.014) and for Anterior - Posterior Index (API) with forward shoulder angle and kyphosis posture and forward head posture (p = 0.010, p = 0.007, p = 0.016). There are no significant correlations between the balances for Medial–Lateral Stability Index with upper-limb alignments.
Conclusion. According to the finding of the present study in the individual with DS. Structural profile lead to poor control posture. These main results suggest that therapeutic remediation of balance problems in subjects with DS and should conduct periodic reviews in order to prevent alterations of the spine and to counsel families about the type of exercises and activities to be undertaken to prevent future children deformities.

Key words:

intellectual disability, balance control, children deformities