QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MOTORIC ACTIVITY IN CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Abstract

Down syndrome is the first described and most common syndrome in the human population. In the literature, this syndrome can be found under the terms Down syndrome, mongolism, mongoloid dystrophy, trisomy of the 21st chromosome or trisomy of the G group. This syndrome was first clinically defined by John Hayden Down in 1866 under the name Mongoloid idiopathy. The presence of this extra copy causes changes in the normal development of the brain and body, which leads to alternations in the performance of intellectual and physical activities. This can be pronounced from mild to moderate. The aim of this research is to assess the results of psychomotor development through observation and analysis of the and to analyze the limitations and deviations from normal motor development in children with Down Syndrome. Materials and methods. The research presents and qualitatively analyzes the psychomotor abilities of five children at different ages. The research includes 5 children with Down Syndrome. Children aged 5 to 46 months and at different levels of physical development. The activities as a manifestation and fulfillment of the normal development were assessed in different positions. The assessment aimed to identify and explain altered models of activity and movement. Results. The results showed that all 5 children suffer from hypotonicity to varying degrees and all demonstrate weaker muscle tone in the legs than in the arms. Child A shows tone development from acutely in fifth month to moderately; B and C are moderately unstable; D is between acute and moderate stability while E has weak muscles of the grip and moderate in the legs. Parallel to this, deviations from normal psychomotor development are observed in all children and develop to varying degrees, developing compensatory mechanisms and special in the observed positions Conclusion. Motor development, especially standing and walking ability, is delayed. Motor activity associated with fulfillment of motor milestones is inconsistent and restricted. The analysis advocates a weak stabilization ability of almost all the joints. Balance and motor functions are mutually correlated, so both aspects should be taken together in physical therapy for children with Down syndrome. They should also be covered by systematized and special programs for therapy, exercises, and activities, which are aimed at developmental deviations, stimulation of existing abilities, and correction of motor patterns.