THERAPY SPECIALTIES
Early Mobility in Down Syndrome
Promoting early walking and Leveraging early mobility isn’t just about learning to walk--it influences other areas of development as well.
WHY IT MATTERS
Children with Down Syndrome tend to have delayed milestones. While we account for those in our treatment plan, we believe every child should be pushed to their full potential in a fun and child-led manner. In order to achieve the best outcomes, research shows a more intensive approach to traditional therapy with both treadmill training and core exercise is effective at promoting advanced milestones over traditional therapy.
All Together Wellness takes a child-led, evidence based approach to helping our young children achieve mobility. We prefer to use treadmill training applied at the right time in development and in an intensive model to help our clients achieve early and meaningful mobility and motor skills. Additionally, partnering with local providers can create a diverse and comprehensive approach to early mobility.
CASE STUDY
George achieved sitting and transitioning to and from the floor. At that time, he initiated an intensive protocol of treadmill training three times per week and aquatic therapy twice per week.
In 3 months, he achieved independent crawling on hands and knees, pulling up to standing, and walking with a little help.
Additionally, his cognitive, social, and communication skills have exploded, and he has been able to stay in a typical classroom with peers at school to further benefit his learning.
BENEFITS
1. Intensive sessions allow for focused skill development - This model allows for rapid skill development followed by periods of practice
2. Earlier mobility enhances overall development - Exploring is a precursor to opportunities to experience new social skills, cause and effect, and create child-led learning
3. Collaborative the keep things fun and address multiple systems simultaneously - The brain learns faster when we keep things fun, interesting, and stimulating for a child.
Reference: Ulrich, et al. (2008). Effects of intensity of treadmill training on developmental outcomes and stepping in infants with down syndrome: a randomized trial. Physical Therapy: 88(1): 114-122.
AT A GLANCE
Children with Down Syndrome walk later on average than peers
Intensive therapy has been shown to promote earlier walking
All Together Wellness and our community partners are here to help with your child’s therapy needs