How do object size and rigidity affect reaching and grasping in infants with Down syndrome?
Reaching and grasping skills have been described to emerge from a dynamic interaction between intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the interaction between such an intrinsic factor, Down syndrome, and extrinsic factors, such as different object properties. Seven infants with Down syndrome and seven infants with typical development were assessed at the ages of 4, 5 and 6 months. The findings showed that object size influenced the kinematics of reaching for the infants with Down syndrome and the grasping frequency for the typical infants. The object rigidity was shown to have a major influence on grasping frequency.
Department of Physiotherapy, Neuropediatrics Sector, Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil. campos.anacarol@gmail.com
Ana Carolina
AC
de Campos
Kelly Regina
KR
Francisco
Geert J P
GJ
Savelsbergh
Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira
NA
Rocha
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002657:Child Development / Q000502:physiology*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*