Motor Behavior in Down Syndrome: Atypical Sensoriomotor Control

In addition to the phenotype characteristics, the Down syndrome is accompanied by multisystem pathological conditions. These conditions involve delays in basic motor skills, motor impairments and abnormalities in postural and gait control. A large body of literature has documented delays in basic motor skills, such as walking, reaching and grasping, in children with Down syndrome. Also their movements are slower and more variable. There has been debate in the literature over the real cause of atypical motor behaviors observed in individuals with DS. Possible explanations are related to cognitive limitations, biomechanical deficits, neurological disorder, abnormal sensorimotor integration, compromised somatosensory system or adaptive choice. In this chapter, we will first discuss similarities in the control of movement, posture and balance between nonhandicapped individuals and those with DS, and then consider differences. Second, we will review the evidence that relates to whether individuals with DS have specific sensoriomotor deficits. Finally we will explore possible explanations for the cause of atypical postural behaviors observed in individuals with DS.

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