Evaluation of balance and gait in children with down syndrome

1. This study was conducted to examine the balance and gait of children with Down Syndrome and to determine the differences between children with typical development. Twenty children with Down Syndrome and 19 children with typical development between the ages of 2-10 years were included in the study. The time-distance characteristics of the gait were evaluated using the GAITRite® electronic walking path. Before the walk, the demographic and physical characteristics of children with Down's syndrome and typical development were recorded. In the next stage, the children were put on the mat and walked and the information obtained from the pressure sensitive sensors during walking was analyzed with the software program of the device and transferred to the computer. As a result of this analysis, through the sensors; Objective data were obtained on the time-distance characteristics of children's walking such as walking speed, cadence, stride length, cycle time, and support surface. When the evaluated parameters were compared between the two groups, a significant difference was found (p <0.05). It was observed that children with Down syndrome had slower walking speeds, higher cadences and shorter stride lengths than children with typical development. In addition, in the evaluation, it was found that the cycle times of children with Down Syndrome were shorter than the children with typical development and their support surfaces were wider. In the balance evaluation, Bertec Balance Check Screener Device, which instantly records the changes in vertical force and Center of Pressure and measures objectively, was used. Stability scores and oscillation amounts on hard and soft ground were evaluated with the device used. As a result of the evaluation, it was observed that the scores of the children with Down Syndrome were lower than the children with typical development. It was observed that children with Down Syndrome increased their oscillations in order to maintain their balance. It was concluded that an objective and accurate assessment of gait and balance is necessary in order to detect gait and balance problems in children with Down Syndrome at an early stage. Keywords: Balance Analysis, Down Syndrome, Gait Analysis