Physiotherapeutic intervention in the outpatient care of persons with Down syndrome at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at HC FMUSP

Abstract

Down Syndrome (SD) is the most common chromosomopathy in humans. It is known that, if properly stimulated, these people have the potential for full social inclusion. The objective of this study is to show the work done with this population by the Physiotherapy service provided by the multiprofessional team at the Clinic for the Care of Persons with DS at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at HC FMUSP. This clinic develops therapeutic activities for persons up to 18 years of age. The work is carried out in models, which are subdivided into: a DS General Stimulation Model which serves patients up to three years of age whose objectives are focused on the acquisition of motor marks, essential for neuropsychomotor development; a DS Child Development Model which helps children from four to eleven years of age that focuses on the development of more advanced motor skills, strength, posture, improvement of mobility, balance, and proprioception to optimize cerebellar activity and the consequent enhancement of static and dynamic balance; a DS Adolescent Model for those aged twelve to eighteen; and a DS Adult Model starting at age nineteen aimed at orthopedic and postural restoration in addition to providing health guidance. Physiotherapeutic monitoring is fundamental within the clinic for the care of a person with DS, for it stimulates the motor development of these children, along with the multiprofessional team and the family, respecting their time and favoring their potentials, in addition to acting to educate the family on health so as to prevent problems and promote the health of the person with DS and their nuclear family.