Physical therapy in Down syndrome: systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality, with a worldwide incidence of around 0.1% in live births. It is related to several conditions in which the physical therapy could take action‐preventing co‐morbidities. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy in Down syndrome, to know and compare the effectiveness of different physical therapy interventions in this population. Methods A systematic review and a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials were conducted. The search was performed during June 2018 in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Scopus. The studies were selected using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale evaluated the quality of the methods used in the studies. Subsequently, the data were extracted, and statistical analysis was performed when possible. Results A total of 27 articles were included, of which nine contributed information to the meta‐analysis. Statistical analysis showed favourable results for the strength of upper and lower limbs [standardised mean difference (SMD) = 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.77–2.15); and SMD = 2.04; 95% CI: (1.07–3.01)] and mediolateral oscillations of balance [SMD = −3.30; 95% CI: (−5.34 to −1.26)]. Conclusions The results show the potential benefit of certain types of physical therapy interventions, specifically in strength and balance, in people with Down syndrome. There are still many aspects to clarify and new lines of research.

Computerized physical and cognitive training improves the functional architecture of the brain in adults with Down Syndrome: a network science EEG study

“…Our PT findings indicate the significant improvement of physical capacity for upper body strength and endurance, mobility, static and dynamic balance, and are in line with previous findings on adult PwDS (Hardee & Fetters, 2017; Ruiz-González, Lucena-Antón, Salazar, Martín-Valero, & Moral-Munoz, 2019). However, our protocol targets multiple physical domains, while most studies investigating the effect of PT on the somatic capacity of adult PwDS (Hardee & Fetters, 2017; Ruiz-González et al, 2019) have mainly focused on a specific domain, i.e. resistance training or aerobic training and, less often, on a combination of two or more domains.…”

Game-Based Virtual Reality Interventions to Improve Upper Limb Motor Function and Quality of Life After Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…These advantages include their low cost, easy portability, and compatibility with other systems, in addition to the increased motivation of participants through the use of games, and the ability to provide direct feedback to the patient. 37 Moreover, the application of VR through home-based interventions could be effective in stroke rehabilitation. 38 Regarding the specific technologies used by different studies that obtained favorable results, the following were employed: an innovative exoskeleton, 24,39 VR telerehabilitation system, 40 IREX immersion VR systems, 9,27 Xbox Kinect, 23,41 keyboard with VR, 29 VR combined with gloves, 4,28,42 Nintendo Wii, 26,30 and virtual surfaces.…”

Ações contra a Covid-19 na População com Síndrome de Down

“…De fato, um estilo de vida sedentário aumenta a suscetibilidade a infecções virais e o desenvolvimento de fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares e metabólicas 8 que são mais frequentes em pessoas com SD, tais como obesidade, hipertensão e diabetes. 9 Portanto, é extremamente importante que as pessoas com SD evitem o comportamento sedentário (sentar no sofá ou ficar deitado na cama por longos períodos, ou até mesmo perder tempo com aparelhos eletrônicos) e pratiquem atividades físicas 8 durante o isolamento social. Recomendase atividade física aeróbica de intensidade moderada (20 a 60 minutos) de 3 a 7 vezes por semana; essas atividades podem incluir caminhada ou corrida, saltos, futebol, ou dança.…”