Down Syndrome Motor Skills and Athletics

Since the majority of children with Down syndrome are born with heart defects and problems, they are automatically at a disadvantage when it comes to athletics and exercise. Many of them are medically contraindicated from any kind of physical activities. It is necessary to be aware of this issue when trying to involve these children in athletics. Many of these children are also born with poor muscle tone and loose joints in the neck and spine. These things can also make it difficult for the children to be active and to participate in athletics. Balance is another weak area for children who have Down syndrome. Many of these children have difficulty walking in general or have difficulty walking due to their balance deficits. Their physical activities need to be planned around their deficits and need to be such that they can build on their strengths. In the same way, they can do activities that help them to improve their balance and walking skills, but they must be closely supervised. In addition to these problems, children with Down syndrome will generally also suffer from vision deficits and hearing impairments that will adversely affect participation in athletics.

Recommended activities for athletics in the school environment and at home on an individual basis need to be planned in such a way that the child is safe and also can build on his or her strengths while working to improve the weaknesses. Yoga has been found to be an excellent activity for children with Down syndrome to participate in. Yoga poses help to stretch tone and strengthen the entire body. Yoga strengthens the legs and also helps to improve balance. In addition, Yoga improves concentration and memory and has many central nervous system benefits.

When teaching these children Yoga or any other physical exercises it is important to make the instruction short and simple and to have a visual aid that shows the proper positions to use. A buddy system where the Down syndrome child is partnered up with a non-Down’s person works great in this circumstance so the regular child can show the Down syndrome child the proper positioning. It is also important to note that when using equipment, the child with Down syndrome should always use lightweight equipment. Even if the child appears to be very strong, because of the traditional loose joints in the neck and spine, the child needs to refrain from doing anything that will put unnecessary pressure on that area. This includes activities such as diving, gymnastics, high jumping, and “heading” in soccer.

These children can have success in athletics and exercise with positive reinforcement and attention to their safety. They love exercise and due to the tendency to be overweight, it is good for their short and long-term health.

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© Information Warehouse 2007
All articles on this site are for information only and should not be treated as medical advice.
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