title: Can response time be trained with bilateral limb training in children with Down syndrome?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Response time (RT), that is, the time taken to respond is known to be delayed in children with Down syndrome (DS). We performed a pilot study to evaluate whether bilateral limb training can be used to train RT, in children with DS.
  
  
  METHODS
  10 children with DS (5 males) were recruited from a special school in a suburban region using convenience sampling.
  
  
  METHODS
  Response time was measured using an indigenously developed RT Analyzer, before and after intervention, from right and left hand. Structured bilateral limb training was given for a period of 4 weeks, using low-cost, locally available materials, in community settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for statistical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant improvements in RT following 4 weeks of intervention were seen in the left hand (P = 0.006) but not in the right hand (P = 0.104).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Response time can be trained in children with DS using 4 weeks of bilateral limb training activities using low-cost, locally available materials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Pratiksha Tilak
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Solomon
keywords: Bilateral limb training; community-based rehabilitation; feasibility; low-cost materials; pediatric rehabilitation; training