Frequency domain analysis of ground reaction force in preadolescents with and without Down syndrome

from Science Direct by Jianhua Wu, Matthew Beerse, and Toyin Ajisafe: 

Highlights

• We study frequency content of vertical GRF in children with and without DS.
• Children with DS have a similar fundamental frequency during treadmill walking.
• Children with DS have a lower frequency at 99% and 99.5% of total power.
• Walking faster with ankle load helps produce a more typical power spectrum in DS.

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Abstract

Children with Down syndrome (DS) display less stable and coordinated gait patterns in the time domain than their healthy peers. However, little is known about whether this group difference exists in the frequency domain. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in vertical ground reaction force (GRF) in the frequency domain between preadolescents with and without DS. Twenty children at 7–10 years of age with and without DS participated in this study. Participants walked on an instrumented treadmill at two speeds with and without external ankle load. Vertical GRF was collected and the data was processed through a Fourier transform. Frequency content variables included fundamental frequency, power of the first five harmonics, and the frequency and number of harmonics at 95%, 99% and 99.5% of total power. Preadolescents with DS had a similar fundamental frequency as their healthy peers even though the DS group walked at slower speeds. The DS group displayed a different power spectrum of the first five harmonics and had the lower frequency and number of harmonics at 99% and 99.5% of total power. However, walking at a faster speed with external ankle load helped the DS group produce a power spectrum more similar to healthy children. Frequency content of vertical GRF provides additional assessment parameters in functional gait evaluation of children with DS. Treadmill intervention at a faster speed and with external ankle load appears to be clinically promising and needs further investigation.

Efficacy of selected treadmill training programme on oxidative stress in adolescents with Down syndrome

from the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal and the World Health Organiziation:

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of an electronic treadmill exercise training programme on malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker for lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in adolescents with Down syndrome. The study was carried out on 30 adolescent males with Down syndrome, ranging in age from 15 to 18 years, with 30 healthy subjects as a control group. Clinical examination, anthropometric measurements and determination of GPx activity and MDA before and after exercise were done. A treadmill training programme was performed for 12 weeks. Our data showed a significant increase in GPx activity and decrease in serum level of MDA in Down syndrome individuals after treadmill exercise for 3 months. Exercise promotion for adolescents with Down syndrome requires attention to motivators and facilitators of exercise adherence as it may limit risk of increased neurological consequences associated with oxidative stress and improve quality of life.

Olympic runner’s world record attempt to benefit Nat’l Down Syndrome Soc.

By Catherine Holland from AZ Family.com:

PHOENIX – When professional runner Andrew Lemoncello and his wife, Julie, welcomed their first child, Isla, in June, they were stunned to learn that she has Down Syndrome.

“It kind of took us by shock,” Lemoncello, who lives in Flagstaff, told 3TV’s Kaley O’Kelley.