Comparison of the Upper and Lower Extremity and Trunk Muscle Masses between Children with Down Syndrome and Children with Typical Development

Association of walking and activities of daily living with muscle thickness of the trunk and lower extremity muscles in children with down syndrome

PURPOSE

We examined the association of walking and activities of daily living(ADL) with trunk and lower extremity muscle thickness in children with Down syndrome (DS).

METHODS

27 children with DS participated in this study. Walking was assessed using measurements of the maximal walking speed and step length, while ADL was assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of DisabilityInventory (PEDI). The thickness of the trunk and lower extremity muscles was measured using an ultrasound imaging device.

RESULTS

The peroneus brevis muscle thickness was a significant and independent factor associated with step length. The tibialis posterior muscle thickness was significant and independent factor of self-care. The thickness of the soleus and tibialis posterior muscles were significant and independent factors of mobility. Finally, the soleus muscle thickness was a significant and independent factor of social function in PEDI.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study indicate that future clinical work should focus on the function of the plantar flexor muscles in walking and ADL in children with DS.

Vojta Therapy Affects Trunk Control and Postural Sway in Children with Central Hypotonia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

(1) Background: Decreased trunk stability is accompanied by delay in motor development in children with central hypotonia. We investigated the effect of Vojta therapy on trunk control in the sitting position in children with central hypotonia. (2) Methods: In 20 children with central hypotonia, Vojta therapy was applied to the experimental group (n = 10) and general physical therapy to the control group (n = 10). The intervention was applied for 30 min per session, three times a week, for a total of six weeks. We assessed abdominal muscle thickness, trunk control (segmental assessment of trunk control), trunk angle and trunk sway in a sitting position, and gross motor function measure-88. (3) Results: In the experimental group, the thicknesses of internal oblique and transversus abdominis were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The segmental assessment of trunk control score was significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the trunk sway significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Gross motor function measure-88 was significantly increased (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Vojta therapy can be suggested as an effective intervention method for improving trunk control and gross motor function in children with central hypotonia.