Physiotherapy in Down Syndrome: A Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Down syndrome is a genetic condition arising from three chromosomal abnormalities, namely trisomy 21 (the most well-known); translocation, and/or mosaicism. This chromosome change occurs in the formation of the fetus, in more detail at the time of cell division, which will characterize the signs and symptoms of the syndrome.
 Objective: The purpose of this article is to research the main scientific findings in the last 10 years regarding physical therapy treatments, to verify the best techniques and their respective results, and to address the role of physiotherapy in the development of children with Down syndrome.
 Methods: The research only included studies published in the period from 2009 to 2019, systematic review articles and limited the Portuguese and English languages ​​were excluded, excluding all incomplete articles, duplications, abstracts that did not address, and those works that do not have a scientific basis.
 Results: In this systematic review, it can be seen that the main research results were disseminated and stored in databases (SciELO, Medline, and LILACS), focusing on the study of and DS patients, specifical children in early childhood. There are few studies on down syndrome in adults. Another important aspect is the concentration of research in the field of sports physiotherapy, few studies have focused on other areas of physiotherapy, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and cognitive physiotherapy, which go in the opposite direction.
 Conclusion: Physiotherapy for patients with DS can improve the quality and life expectancy of these individuals, but the needs of patients with this syndrome involve some physical, physiological and psychological aspects and require the attention of a multidisciplinary team.

Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Trisomy 21 among Parents of School Going Down Syndromes in Islamabad and Rawalpindi: a Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

“…(2019) discussed that high body mass index (bmi) and obesity is an evident issue in across all the people with DS, therefore, awareness of some form of physical activity is essentially required 14 . Silva et al discussed that motor development in children with DS is less than the children without the DS 15 .…”

“…Alosaimi et al (2020) discussed that societal response towards people with DS is unfavorable, mainly due to lack of awareness and knowledge about the congenital defect 8 . Hall S found in their study that family of the child with the DS has blamed the mother for the congenital defect in the child 15 . Urbano and Hodapp (2007) in a comparative study among families having a child with DS, other birth defects and no identified disability found that divorce rates to be lesser as compared to the other two groups, however, age, education and demographics plays a contributing role.…”