Association of walking and activities of daily living with muscle thickness of the trunk and lower extremity muscles in children with down syndrome.

Purpose: We examined the association of walking and activities of daily living(ADL) with trunk and lower extremity muscle thickness in children with Down syndrome (DS).

Methods: 27 children with DS participated in this study. Walking was assessed using measurements of the maximal walking speed and step length, while ADL was assessed using the Pediatric Evaluation of DisabilityInventory (PEDI). The thickness of the trunk and lower extremity muscles was measured using an ultrasound imaging device.

Results: The peroneus brevis muscle thickness was a significant and independent factor associated with step length. The tibialis posterior muscle thickness was significant and independent factor of self-care. The thickness of the soleus and tibialis posterior muscles were significant and independent factors of mobility. Finally, the soleus muscle thickness was a significant and independent factor of social function in PEDI.

Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that future clinical work should focus on the function of the plantar flexor muscles in walking and ADL in children with DS.