Suspension Therapy Effects on Mobility and Balance in Down Syndrome

The distance covered during the 1 minute walk test was compared with the children gross motor function as assessed by the Gross Motor Function Measure. We concluded that the 1 Minute Walk Test is a valid measure for assessing functional ability in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Its cost effectiveness and user friendliness make it a potentially useful tool in the clinical setting. The test retest reliability of a 1 minute walk test at a child maximum walking speed was assessed in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. A 1 minute walk test is a reliable method of assessing function in children with Cerebral palsy but care must be taken when interpreting changes in individual patient data.

Four Square Step Test is a tool for measuring balance in children with Down syndrome by stepping over four squares. The Four Square Step Test is a balance and mobility assessment that evaluates a persons ability to step quickly and accurately in multiple directions. Participants step in and out of four squares arranged in a cross pattern starting from one of the outer squares and moving through a sequence. The test is timed and results help identify balance impairments and fall risks. A completion time of under 15 seconds is generally considered normal.

The Pediatric Balance Scale a modification of the Berg Balance Scale will be used as a balance measure for children. The pediatric balance scale measure can be performed without specialized equipment and is quickly and easily administered. The Pediatric balance scale has been used to measure the balance functions for school age children with mild to moderate motor impairment and children with Cerebral palsy. The tasks range from timed sitting balance to standing on one leg. This study confirmed good validity of the Pediatric balance scale and its capability to predict motor function and Activity of daily living at follow up. The Pediatric balance scale static dynamic and total were moderately responsive to change.

The Timed Up and Go Test is a quick assessment used to evaluate mobility and balance primarily in older adults. It measures the time it takes for a participant to stand up from a chair walk 3 meters or 10 feet turn around walk back and sit down. The total time is recorded with results helping to identify fall risk and assess functional mobility. A completion time under 10 seconds is typically considered normal while over 12 seconds may indicate an increased risk of falls.