Fundamental motor skill proficiency among 7- to 10-year-old children with Down syndrome

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 35; no. 1; pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Tun, Myo Thein, Aye, Thanda, Htut, Thwe Zar Chi, Tin, Wai Mar, Khin, Myo Thuzar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2023; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Children with Down syndrome; Down syndrome; Fundamental motor skill proficiency; Gender; Original; Standard scores; Test of gross motor development second edition; Fundamental motor skill proficiency; Children with Down syndrome; Test of gross motor development second edition
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.35.1

[Purpose] The purposes of this study were to assess the fundamental motor skill (FMS) of children with Down syndrome (DS) and to compare their FMS proficiencies to those of chronological age-matched and gender-matched typically developing children (TDC). [Participants and Methods] This cross-sectional study involved a total of 60 participants (30 children with DS and 30 TDC). The FMS proficiency of participants was assessed by using the test of gross motor development, second edition (TGMD-2). The data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests to verify the differences between the two groups and gender. The effect size of Cohen’s d was also determined for comparing the two groups. [Results] The results showed that there were significant differences between children with DS and the TDC on locomotor and object control standard scores, and the gross motor quotient (GMQ). However, there were no significant gender-based differences in the locomotor and object control standard scores and the GMQ in both groups. [Conclusion] Based on the current results, the FMS proficiency of children with DS is lower than the TDC. Therefore, a therapeutic intervention program is necessary for children with DS to improve their FMS proficiency.