Article

The inherent joint laxity and muscle hypotonia of adults with Down syndrome (DS)
may result in reduced gait stability and increased energetic cost. These factors
vary as a function of walking speed and may be reflected in gait patterns. The
present study therefore examined whether the three-dimensional motion of the body
center of mass (COM) and stepping characteristics differ between adults with and
without DS as a function of speed. Fifteen adults with DS and 15 adults without
DS underwent a series of treadmill walking trials. Walking speeds were determined
as Froude numbers, based on leg length. Participants walked at Froude numbers of
0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and, for adults without DS, 0.7. Whole-body
kinematic data were collected for 30-35 steps at each speed. Across speeds,
adults with DS showed greater and more variable mediolateral COM motion than
adults without DS. COM anteroposterior velocity and vertical motion did not
differ in range between groups, but were more variable in adults with DS. Adults
with DS also showed smaller-duration steps and varied their step widths and step
lengths more than adults without DS. The results suggest a gait pattern with
lesser stability and greater energetic cost among adults with DS.

Langue : ANGLAIS