Purpose: This study was carried out to measure the functional status and balance level in individuals with Down syndrome.
Material Method: The research was conducted with 12 individuals with down syndrome between the ages of 8 and 16 in Malatya province between February and April 2024. Without applying any physiotherapy program to the participants, the results were analyzed by applying the 'Personal Information Form' to record the sociodemographic characteristics of the individuals, the 'Pediatric Berg Balance Scale' to measure balance, and the 'Pediatric Functional Independence Scale (PFI)' scales to measure functional status.
Results: Of the participants in the study, 5 were girls (41.6%) and 7 (58.4%) were boys. Their average age was 12.53±2.76 years, their height was 136±12.1 centimeters (cm), and their body mass index was 22.63±3.34. 10 of the participants had a history of speech problems, 4 had a history of heart problems, and 2 had a history of vision problems. At the end of the measurements, the individuals' pediatric functional independence scale score was determined as 102.64±5.80, and their pediatric Berg balance scale score was 43.10±3.70.
Conclusion: In this study, pediatric Berg balance and pediatric functional independence scale scores of individuals with Down syndrome were measured at lower levels than their peers without Down syndrome in the literature. Although participants were able to mobilize independently, they had problems with more challenging movements related to balance and functionality, such as turning 360º, standing on one leg, picking up objects from the floor, bathing and dressing. Different results were obtained among the participants in terms of comprehension, expression and toileting scores. We believe that functional training and balance exercise programs will be beneficial for individuals with Down syndrome to increase their independence levels.
ORCID NO:0000-0001-9417-9387
Anahtar Kelimeler: Balance, Down Syndrome, Functional Level
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