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Gait in Children With Down Syndrome While Wearing Orthoses

NCT01598350 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 6

Last updated 2013-12-30

Study results available
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Summary

On average, Down syndrome (DS) occurs once in every 700 live births and results in life-long disability and increased risk for comorbidities.1 Individuals with DS are also susceptible to secondary physical impairments and limitations as a result of complications associated with joint hypermobility, hypotonicity, and increased ligamentous laxity. Secondary impairments such as pes planus (flat feet), weakened muscles, bony abnormalities and arthritis may lead to painful joints and feet. Additionally, children with DS often manifest deviations in gait as a result of physical limitations imposed by orthopedic and muscular deficiencies that may lead to decreased postural stability. These secondary losses in function, which exacerbate disabilities, may be preventable with the use of appropriate early interventions aimed at correcting abnormal joint alignment. Research exploring effective physical therapy interventions for adults and children with DS is currently very limited. However, the use of orthotic devices to support lax ligaments and hypotonic muscles, which are common manifestations of DS, is one accepted method of intervention for children within this population. Orthoses are variable in structure and the degree of support provided to the foot and ankle also differ between foot orthoses (FOs) and supramalleolar orthoses (SMOs). Previous studies have supported the effectiveness of orthoses on improving ankle and foot alignment, as well as gait parameters. However, disagreement currently exists concerning which type of orthotic device is most beneficial for the population of children with DS. Children with DS express variable degrees of joint laxity and hypotonicity, as well as differences in the severity of specific alignment abnormalities such as excessive pronation or calcaneal eversion.6 Current literature is insufficient for explaining differences in the benefits provided by FOs and SMOs and the specific indications for their use in children with DS is unclear.

Study Aims This study will demonstrate the differences in structural outcomes provided by FOs and SMOs and develop specific criterion for matching individuals of differing orthopedic impairments with the most beneficial orthotic device.

Conditions

  • Down Syndrome

Interventions

DEVICE

Supramalleolar Orthoses (Cascade)

Walk wearing supramalleolar orthoses - three trial

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Puget Sound

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
2 Years
Max Age
10 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2010-01-31
Primary Completion
2011-06-30
Completion
2011-06-30

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT01598350 on ClinicalTrials.gov