Delays in independent walking restrict children’s participation in their homes and communities and limit learning opportunities that contribute to global development. Prior work has demonstrated that early practice stepping on a treadmill can accelerate and improve walking development in infants with Down Syndrome, who typically learn to walk about a year later than their typically developing peers. However, treadmill training has several limitations, including its passive nature and lack of variability, context, and motivation. Overground gait training with assistance of supported stepping devices (“gait trainers”) may be a promising adjunct to, or substitute for, treadmill training. This longitudinal study will examine the developmental trajectory of supported overground stepping and walking in infants with Down Syndrome to inform the development of a novel overground gait training protocol.
This study involves 1-5 1-hour visits to the Learning, Development, and Rehabilitation Laboratory over a one year period.
Funding:
- Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
- Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
Currently Recruiting:
Infants with Down Syndrome, 10-22 months of age