Tape therapy for babies with Down syndrome to walk earlier

The University of Michigan has conducted a study with very important results for the development of babies with Down syndrome.

Babies usually begin to walk around 12 months, some a little earlier and others later, while babies with Down syndrome begin to take their first steps between 24 and 28 months, a delay that affects their exploration of the world around him.

The researchers conducted an instructional process on 30 babies with the syndrome who were told exercise therapy on a treadmill or treadmill with which they got that they will start walking four or five months before.

The big step of starting to be a milestone in the lives of all babies. Locomotion triggers the emergence of other very important skills for the child's development such as sociability, the advancement of perception and spatial cognition.

In children suffering from Down Syndrome these skills are delayed due to the delay in walking, so advancing that moment means a breakthrough for their development.

When they managed to take 10, 20 and 30 steps per minute in an initial therapy, they divided the group in two, assigning half an intense and individualized therapy that parents should do with the baby at home.

This second group was indicated, depending on each child, an increase in the speed of the belt, longer sessions and the addition of light weights in the ankles. Indeed, they verified that this therapy can help them to walk earlier than expected.

On the University website you can see a summary video that shows the baby's progress over the months.

The study authors recommended that parents, hospitals and organizations of families with affected babies incorporate this beneficial therapy.

Video: Brachial Plexus Palsy: Occupational Therapy Demonstrations (March 2024).